Jobs in Knysna

The Knysna Municipality website provides the following reasons to invest in the town and its inhabitants:

• has good infrastructure and basic services;
  • is accessible via road (i.e. via the N2 highway), and air (i.e. via George or Plettenberg Bay Airports);
  • is a world-renowned tourist destination;
  • has a low crime rate;
  • offers excellent business support services;
• has ample industrial land and commercial space;
  • offers excellent educational facilities;
• has a plentiful labour supply;
  and
  • boasts a sound regulatory environment.

The town’s economy is the third largest within the Garden Route District Municipality, with a total gross geographical product of R2,3 billion, and boasts as its leading sectors those of finance, business services, wholesale, retail, trade, and accommodation.

While most people in Knysna earn around R163k per annum, considerably more can be earned in roles that include estate management, civil engineering, and banking positions. Other popular occupations for Knysna that are listed on the Payscale website include that of a coffee shop manager, an administrative clerk or office manager, and an educator. Big employers include the Knysna Municipality, SANParks, and grocery supplier Pick n Pay.

A glance at the Executive Placements jobs portal reveals the following jobs that are up for grabs in the town:

• food and beverage jobs, such as a fast food manager, where a Grade 12/NQF 4 and at least three years at a similar establishment is required. Also see service manager/assistant F&B manager;
• sales and marketing jobs, such as a sales representative (animal nutrition), where applicants will be required to have completed a BSc/BCom in Agriculture, Animal Science or a related field, and to have proven sales experience. Also see technical sales consultant;
• tourism jobs of various descriptions, such as a travel support manager, travel consultant, receptionist, spa therapist (seasonal), and assistant spa manager, each with its own set of requirements, duties, and responsibilities;
• medical jobs, such as a registered nurse (geriatric care facility), where the applicant will need to be an SANC registered nurse, experienced in long-term geriatric care, a strong communicator with compassionate care skills, and fluent in Afrikaans.

Beautiful Knysna Villas lists five facts about Knysna that will interest most visitors, tourists, holidaymakers, and especially those relocating to the town.

Firstly, a discovery of approximately 40 fossilised hominid footprints in Knysna, dating back to 90 000 years, reveals that an early species of humans probably occupied this land for at least 300 000 years.

The town was only founded, though, in 1804 by a certain George Rex, who was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George III (of Britain). Rex’s actions, particularly the building of a harbour by 1817, is sure to have kicked off Knysna’s timber trade as moving the wood via ship was must faster and more efficient than via ox wagon.

While we already know that the name Knysna, spelt ‘Naizna’, means ferns or fern leaves in the San language (as is mentioned above), another notable aspect of this region’s flora is the Big Tree. A yellowwood, it stands 40m tall, and is over 800 years old.

And the last pertinent fact from Beautiful Knysna Villas, is its mention of the Knysna Heads. Just like the big tree, it is generally on most people’s must-visit lists, having been formed by the Knysna River weakening areas of rock to create a split that is both scenic, and dangerous to boats that attempt to make it through the Heads and into the sea.

Loadem, a removals company based in Midrand, suggests the following pros of a move to Knysna:

• a growing job market, particularly when it comes to tourism, fishing, and retail;
• a cost of living that is about six percent lower than the national average in South Africa;
• a moderate climate, with warm summers (reaching up to 30℃) and relatively mild winters;
• a variety of excellent public and private schools (e.g. Oakhill School, Knysna Montessori School, and Knysna International School), together with great tertiary institutions (universities, colleges, technical universities) in nearby George and Cape Town;
  • a wide range of cultural attractions and entertainment options, including stunning beaches, plentiful sporting activities and races, and popular festivals such as the Knysna Oyster Festival;
• an excellent seafood and wine culture, with many different restaurants to choose from.

Additionally, Dream Knysna shares a list of 34 different suburbs to choose from when you decide to relocate to the town. Cleverly, the same website also gives a list of 12 different lifestyle options, so that you can match the vibe you are keen on to the area that provides just that ­– from active life and farm life, to golf, heart of nature, lap of luxury, lock-up-and-go, on the water, panoramic views, peace and quiet, retire to Knysna, secure living, or urban buzz.

BusinessTech reported in March 2024 that Knysna is one of the towns, together with Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus, that is attracting significant numbers of “upcountry buyers who are looking to relocate with their families”.

The same article reveals that the median house price in Knysna rose by as much as 47.6 percent in 2022, to R3.1 million; and by 12.9 percent again recently to R3.5 million. Just compare these prices with the median of R1.7 million in 2017, which was a record high at the time!

Knysna Mall is a great option to help you fulfill the need for shopping, eating out, and entertainment – and is situated on the N2 or main highway, that runs through the town.

Woodmill Lane is another stylish option, which has been part of the Knysna community for almost 30 years and offers a wide variety of diverse retail stores and other conveniences.

There’s also the Knysna Waterfront, where you can shop for jewellery, gifts and homeware, fashion, and more; and enjoy a delicious meal at one of several bustling restaurants. 

Then, for those who prefer to support the arts and crafts that are sold outside of traditional malls, don’t miss the list provided by InfoIsInfo.

Knysna is often described as a “natural playground” for sport lovers, with its forests, mountains, lakes, and proximity to the ocean. Popular, and highly competitive sports to indulge in here, include mountain biking and road cycling, trail and road running, hiking, fishing, and sailing, advises the VisitKnysna website.

Don’t miss the Knysna Cycle Tour and Knysna Forest Marathon, taking place during the Knysna Oyster Festival each June/July holidays, or the Karoo to Coast MTB Challenge each September. There’s also Africa’s toughest triathlon, the Knysna Extreme in November, a challenging point-to-point self-supported race that incorporates a 5km swim in the lagoon, a 174km cycle through hugely diverse terrain, and a 50km plantation run.

Go to Knysna Information to find any other sporting facility or club, including padel, a trendy mix between tennis and squash, which can now be enjoyed at the Knysna Hollow Country Estate.

In November 2024, Daily Maverick reported on Knysna’s council coming under fire within the Western Cape legislature, for ongoing issues related to service delivery and an alleged death threat issued by mayor Aubrey Tsengwa against acting municipal manager Setloane Malepeng – which has since been denied.

“At this time, my focus remains on fostering unity and maintaining the council’s commitment towards serving the community of Knysna,” advised the speaker, Mncedisi Skosana. “While allegations of this nature are concerning, they will be managed in accordance with the law and the principles of good governance.”

According to Mr Anton Wilhelm Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, urgent interventions included “solving a refuse crisis, and helping to fix and replace pumps in the municipality”. Further, a News24 article reported that “work to repair a giant sinkhole in one of the busiest roads in Knysna's business district has finally begun”.

Whatever political and administrative issues require resolving, there’s no doubt that civil and other engineering jobs are likely to prove critically important in the surrounding area for some time to come.