The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in South Africa

In my experience it is very difficult for an Expat to find work in SA unless it is through an inter-company assignment or they are deemed to have special skills.  With an unemployment rate exceeding 20%, hiring foreigners is not popular in SA.  I was fortunate to come here originally via an inter-company assignment some years back, but the paperwork required to do so was very extensive.  After returning to the USA and retiring I returned because where I live (Southern Cape) is simply too beautiful.

The other question is language.  If one seeks to be employed in the Western Cape - particularly in the area known as the "Southern Cape" (i.e. Garden Route), knowing Afrikaans is almost vital as it is the dominate language of the area.

yes I'm leaving in South Africa the experience most people have said it true .

finding a job here is not easy mostly for foreiforeigners they will ask for South African I'D which is hard to get .

after leaving here for 14 years still I can't get a job of my qualifications.

they need most local to get jobs and reduce the unemployment rate.

but people who did like medecine are really in high demmande.

Sure it's difficult  to find employment  here in South  Africa and if you get it they pay you little  as compared  to locals.

PJPSR, has said it all.  That is the reality.  The Broad Based Economic Empowerment (commonly referred to as BEE) program emphasizes employment for local South Africans to reduce unemployment. 

Like PJPSR, I came in as an expat on a company transfer.  After I left the company I was able to settle in Johannesburg. 

Finding a job is very challenging but potential opportunities do exist in partnering with local South Africans to do business.

The country is so beautiful that wherever you are, you just fell in love with it!!!!!!!

i have a lot of south africans expat in the company i work for (mining company). SA really looks like australia, in terms of the mining sector. I think mining industry there is one of the biggest in the world (please correct me if I am wrong). so this industry is the one you are expected to be always available to filled on. the turn over is also high. people can move from one to another company in less than 2 years

The unemployment rate is a lot higher than 20%, especially among under 35s.

As PJPSR says, getting a transfer is your best bet.