Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse economy.
With a population of over 3.4 million, Durban offers a range of career opportunities across various industries, from finance and manufacturing to tourism and agriculture.
Career growth is an important aspect for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling career.
In Durban, there are numerous opportunities for career growth, with many companies offering training and development programs to help their employees reach their full potential.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, so do the opportunities for career advancement.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to start your career or a seasoned professional looking to take the next step, Durban has something to offer.
In this article, we will explore the various industries and companies in Durban that offer opportunities for career growth, as well as the skills and qualifications required to succeed in these roles.
Economic Overview of Durban
Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
It is home to the busiest port in the country, and it is a hub for transportation, manufacturing, and tourism.
The city has a diverse economy that is driven by various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and ICT.
According to the State of the Economy Report, Durban's economy grew by 2.1% from the third to the fourth quarter of 2018.
The report also highlights that the city created 24,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2019, bringing the total number of employed people to 1.2 million.
However, this is 27,000 people less than the same time the previous year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Durban's economy, like many other cities around the world.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) forecasted a 0.2% decline in South Africa's GDP in 2020.
However, the city's economy contracted by 1.3% in 2009 due to the global financial recession. It was significantly stronger at the time, with a 4.4% growth rate just before the recession.
Today's pandemic, however, has hammered what may be the final nail in.
The Durban EDGE is a platform that provides cutting-edge economic intelligence and insight to economic decision-makers.
The platform produces publications, economic info releases, as well as on-demand seminars, an annual release on the State of the Durban Economy, and topical research papers.
Overall, Durban's economy has shown steady growth over the years, with various sectors contributing to its success.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the city's economy, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for the city to recover.
Industries with High Career Growth Potential
Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) industry is rapidly growing in Durban, offering a wide range of job opportunities.
With the increasing demand for digital transformation, companies are seeking professionals with skills in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud computing.
The IT industry in Durban is expected to grow by 5.8% per year, according to the Business Report.
IT professionals can expect to earn competitive salaries in Durban.
According to Payscale, the average salary for a software developer in Durban is around R304,000 per year, while a data analyst can earn around R250,000 per year.
Tourism and Hospitality
Durban's tourism industry is another sector with high growth potential.
The city is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and cultural diversity, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
The tourism industry in Durban is expected to grow by 2.5% per year, according to the Business Report.
The hospitality sector in Durban is also growing, with many hotels, resorts, and restaurants opening up in recent years.
Job opportunities in this sector include hotel managers, chefs, and waiters.
According to Payscale, the average salary for a hotel manager in Durban is around R325,000 per year, while a chef can earn around R190,000 per year.
Manufacturing
Durban's manufacturing industry is also showing signs of growth, with many companies investing in the city's infrastructure and logistics.
The city is home to several manufacturing companies, including those in the automotive, chemical, and food processing industries.
The manufacturing industry in Durban is expected to grow by 2.9% per year, according to the Business Report.
Job opportunities in the manufacturing sector include production managers, quality control inspectors, and machine operators.
According to Payscale, the average salary for a production manager in Durban is around R460,000 per year, while a quality control inspector can earn around R170,000 per year.
In conclusion, the IT, tourism and hospitality, and manufacturing industries in Durban offer high career growth potential.
With the right skills and qualifications, professionals can expect to earn competitive salaries in these industries.
Top Companies to Work for in Durban according to Glassdoor
Mr Price Group
Mr Price Group is a leading company in Durban, offering excellent career growth opportunities to its employees.
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5, it is highly rated by employees for its work culture, employee benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
The company is known for providing a supportive work environment, where employees can learn and grow professionally.
Employees at Mr Price Group are offered competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements.
The company also invests in the development of its employees through training and development programs, mentorship, and coaching.
Tongaat Hulett Ltd
Tongaat Hulett Ltd is a multinational company with a strong presence in Durban.
Located approximately 40km north of Durban in Tongaat (also known as oThongathi), it is highly rated by employees for its work-life balance, employee benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, it is one of the top companies to work for in Durban.
Employees at Tongaat Hulett Ltd enjoy a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements.
The company also invests in the development of its employees through training and development programs, mentorship, and coaching.
Derivco
Derivco is a well-established software development company focusing on the online gaming world in Durban, known for its excellent work culture and employee benefits.
Based in La Lucia, it has a rating of 4.0 out of 5, it is highly rated by employees for its supportive work environment and opportunities for career growth.
Employees at Derivco are offered competitive salaries, medical aid, retirement plans, and other benefits.
The company also invests in the development of its employees through training and development programs, mentorship, and coaching.
Overall, these top companies in Durban offer excellent career growth opportunities to their employees, with a focus on providing a supportive work environment, employee benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
Skills in Demand in Durban
Technical Skills
Durban is a hub for various industries like finance, manufacturing, and IT.
To keep up with the fast pace of these industries and stay competitive, job seekers in Durban need to have technical skills that are in high demand.
Here are some of the technical skills that are currently in demand in Durban:
- Software development
- Data analysis and management
- Cloud computing
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Project management
- Web development
Soft Skills
Along with technical skills, employers in Durban also seek candidates with strong soft skills.
These are the skills that help individuals work well with others, communicate effectively, and adapt to new situations.
Here are some of the soft skills that are currently in demand in Durban:
- Leadership and management
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and organization
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Collaboration and teamwork
Having a combination of technical and soft skills can help job seekers in Durban stand out from the competition and increase their chances of landing a job.
It is important for individuals to continuously develop and improve their skills to stay relevant in the job market.
Education and Training Opportunities
Universities
Durban is home to several universities that offer a wide range of degree programs.
Some of the most popular universities in the city include:
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
UKZN is a research-intensive university (RIU) that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
DUT is a university of technology that offers diplomas and degrees in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and business studies.
UNISA is a distance learning institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Technical Colleges
Technical colleges in Durban offer a range of vocational and technical courses that are designed to prepare students for careers in various industries. Some of the most popular technical colleges in the city include:
Coastal KZN TVET College and Umfolozi TVET College offer courses in fields such as engineering, hospitality, and business studies.
SACAP offers courses in psychology and counselling.
Professional Development Courses
Professional development courses are designed to help individuals acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them advance in their careers.
Some of the most popular providers of professional development courses in Durban include:
GetSmarter offers online short courses in various fields, including business, finance, and marketing.
Regent Business School offers courses in management, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Varsity College offers courses in fields such as education, hospitality, and information technology.
We recommend that you start your job search journey by visiting our Durban jobs listings page.