Jobs in Durban

Durban is the third most populated city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town but has the 2^nd highest GDP with only Johannesburg beating it. Durban has the busiest port in Africa so has an extensive road network to and from the rest of South Africa. This makes transport and storage one of the biggest industries in Durban.

The tourism industry is huge which has a positive knock-on effect on catering and accommodation. Other large industries are wholesale and retail trade, construction, health and social work, finance and insurance. Due to the climate sugar refining is one of Durban’s main industries. Other large manufacturing processes done in Durban are textiles and clothing, oil refining, food processing and chemical processing. Toyota and Bell also have large manufacturing plants in Durban.

In terms of tech startups it is acknowledged that Durban is far behind both Johannesburg and Cape Town. A serious entrepreneur or someone who want to work in the tech startup world would be better off to move to JHB or Cape Town as they both have more thriving startup ecosystems. Only a few of large companies in South Africa are headquartered in Durban such as Bidvest Insurance, Combined Motor Holdings, Grindrod Bank, Hollwoodbets, Mr Price, NBS, Transnet Pipeline Union Airways, Wakaberry and Unilever. Aspen is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and is also headquartered in Durban with offices in over 55 countries world wide. As most businesses in Johanneburg CBD moved to the Sandton CBD, similarly most businesses in the Durban CBD have now moved to Umhlanga which has become the new CBD of Durban.

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Did we mention that Durban has an amazing climate and beaches and is a surfer’s paradise? If you are ever done on the beaches what else is there to do in Durban? Some of the most popular attractions are uShaka Marine World, Durban Botanic Gardens, Umgeni River Bird Park and Mitchell Park zoo.

Then there are the museums like the Durban Natural Science Museum, Kwa Muhle Museum, Phansi Museum, the Port Natal Maritime Museum and the Umkhumbane Museum.

You can also spend time in some of the nature reserves such as Kenneth Stainbank Nature reserve, Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Bluff Nature Reserve, New Germany Nature Reserve, Virginia Bush Nature Reserve, North Park Nature Reserve and the Palmiet Nature Reserve to name a few.

For all the daredevils out there and people who love architecture and engineering should stop at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Not only is it spectacular architecture and engineering but if you feel like a bit of adrenalin you can swing 80 meters above ground level.

From Durban it is also close enough to drive to the famous Sani Pass in a 4x4 for the most stunning awe-inspiring views imaginable. You will also drive into Lesotho on route so don’t forget a passport. As the pass goes as high as 2873m above sea level and has to be done in a 4x4 it will also be for the more adventurous.  This whole trip can be done in one day. In fact Durban is only 2.5 hours from Drakensburg so it makes it an amazing getaway from a getaway.

While in Durban one will also need to take time to see the Valley of a thousand hills. This is stunning pristine nature and wildlife and one can get there in 30 minutes from Durban city Centre.

There is also a selection of safaris one can go on to see the BIG 5. These are close to Durban city so they can all be done in a day trip such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. This creates ample job opportunities for Game Rangers and conservationists.

There is so much to do in Durban, the only question is will there be enough time to get your job done! Everything costs even in Durban so there will need to be!

Umhlanga compares to Sandton in JHB as being the new city centre and the most desirable place to live in Durban. With many luxury hotels and ample top restaurants to choose from, Umhlanga also lies along one of the most beautiful coast lines in South Africa. Even so this area is located quite far from the Durban cuity centre, not only have most prominent companies moved there but it also has all of its own amenities such as shopping, healthcare and schooling. It is without doubt the number one place to live in Durban, however even inner Umhlanga without the sea views of the stunning coastline has become extremely expensive.

Durban City Centre is close to many of the tourist attractions in Durban however most companies now have their offices in Umhlanga. If you are on a budget holiday this may be the best place to stay however if you are moving down to Durban to pursue a specific career or opportunity it will probably not be one’s first choice.

Durban North is about halfway between Umhlanga and Durban Central. This means you get to live a suburban life with coast views while only staying about 11 km away from Durban Central. This makes it an excellent place to locate a family as it is cheaper than Umhlanga but you still have Kensignton Square shopping Centre, Health facilities and schooling in the area. If you want a break from the beach you also have the Japanese Gardens and Umgeni River Bird Park close by.

Glenwood is a family suburb with views of Durban harbour. There are schools, universities and hospitals in the area. There is also good nightlife, restaurants and shops in the area and many have described it as being arty. One can choose to live in a free-standing property in the area but there are also numerous blocks of flats to choose from. It is only 6km from Durban CBD but if one is working in Umhlanga it will be further to drive.

Musgrave and Glenwood are only a few minutes apart. These were both top areas to live in before the North Coast property boomed and surpassed them. Living in Musgrave has the same kind of benefits and advantages as living in Glenwood.

Morningside is only a few minutes away from Musgrave. The highlight of this area is Florida Road and Lillian Ngoyi which hosts a trendy variety of coffee shops, restaurants and specialty stores. Once again living here has the same kind of benefits and advantages as living in Musgrave.

Amanzimtoti is about 27km or 35 minutes south of Durban. If you are prepared to travel to work and want to live in slower--paced village, look here. It has beautiful beaches and also makes a good holiday destination.

One can also look at areas such as Pinetown, Queensburgh and Westville which are cheaper to live in, further out and inland. These are not as desirable as living close the coast.

One should really examine the industry which one want to specialise in carefully before relocating to a new place. If you are looking at a career in startup internet technology Durban may not be the right place but that does not mean that there are no niche internet technology companies that are successful and are based in Durban. For example, Derivco is a multibillion dollar gaming company and is based in La Lucia.

One needs to search on Job Portals like Executive Placements to get the feel of the different job opportunities in different cities. Durban will have some interesting opportunities due to the harbour, tourism and climate that will be excellent for agriculture products.

Make sure to keep your profile updated on both the Executive Placements job portal and Linkedin when you are active in the job market and searching for new career opportunities. Passive candidates should also register and keep their profile up to date as one never knows when a new life changing opportunity will come knocking at the door.

What are the big industries in Durban?

Some of the big industries are sugar, forestry, aluminum, petrochemicals, automotive manufacturing and imports and exports through the two major ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

What is the best way to find work in Durban?

Make sure that your profile is kept updated on both Linkedin and the Executive Placements job portal.

Are salaries good in Durban?

According to an analysis of the Executive Placements database salaries are best in Johannesburg. Some industries pay better salaries in Durban and others pay better in Cape Town. It will therefore all depend upon the industry that you work in and the position that you hold which city you will get paid the most in but in most cases Johannesburg beats both Durban and Cape Town.