Jobs in Witbank

Possibly the most popular story about the town’s origins, involves the arrival of Winston Churchill during his escape from Boer imprisonment in Pretoria, en route to Delagoa Bay (later Lourenço Marques), and then Maputo, in Mozambique.

Local residents, who were in the area to exploit its coal deposits, assisted Churchill with both hiding spots and the final leg of his escape, leading Witbank, which was founded in 1890 and proclaimed a town in 1903, to gain all the credit for these exciting escapades once they could be publicly revealed.

According to the eMalahleni Local Municipality, the town contributes at least 18 percent to its provincial GDP, and boasted an economy the size of R66 billion at last tally in 2018. Its strongest sectors are mining, community services, and finance – although the former also has negative consequences on the environment and health.

An SA Cities report reveals that the issue of air pollution has been documented and debated in Witbank for many years – however, with the increasing concerns of both global warming and human health, action is being taken. The report advises that the Minister of Environmental Affairs and tourism declared the great eMalahleni area a national air pollution hotspot in 2007, such that the national government is now responsible for monitoring, managing, and mitigating the air pollution levels here, in conjunction with local and provincial government departments.

On the upside, Green Building Africa reminds us that South Africa has explicitly referenced a “just energy transition” as part of the commitment to the Paris Agreement, together with a carbon tax bill (which works on the basis of a “the polluter pays” principle).

Unfortunately, Witbank has experienced growth rates higher than what its economy can support, which has resulted in a negative impact on GDP per capita, infrastructure, service delivery, and job creation. These are all areas in which job seekers to the area with an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) conscience can make a significant difference.

Payscale advises that the average salary earned in the town is R197k per annum, and that significant numbers of residents now work for the likes of Glencore Ltd, Eskom, Anglo American and Anglo Coal, BHP, Evraz, Exxaro Resources, Fraser Alexander, Komatus, Iemas, the Renova Group, SABMiller, Xtrata, Indwe Risk Services, Siyndisa Consulting Engineers, and South 32, since this former farming community became a substantial business destination.

The most popular occupations pursued here include that of a safety officer (at up to R535k per annum), an office administrator (at up to R175k per annum), and an operations manager (at up to R672k per annum); with a second tier of occupations including that of an administrative assistant (at up to R124k per annum), an accountant (at up to R536k per annum), a human resources manager (at up to R733k per annum), and an educator (at up to R317k per annum).

When perusing the available roles on the Executive Placements jobs portal, you’ll see that mining jobs extend to the likes of a project manager with a strong background in water treatment systems; engineering jobs and those in the construction sector could include that of a millwright, general plant manager, or diesel mechanic with experience in earth-moving equipment; and retail jobs may be as exciting as that of a new vehicle sales manager. The important thing is to keep your search going until you find the perfect fit for your skills, qualifications, and experience levels.

Because of its convenient location en route to Gauteng from the Kruger National Park, which receives approximately 950 000 visitors each year, residents have attempted to capitalise on this potential tourism spend.

For those making a move to eMalahleni to take up a food and beverage job, a few of the top hotels in the town and its surrounds include: the RidgePoint Hotel (at from R1 162 per night), ANEW Hotel Highveld and ANEW Hotel Witbank eMalahleni (at from R1 394 per night), C’est La Vie Boutique Hotel (at from R1 425 per night), and Yalla Yalla Boutique Hotel at from R1 615 per night. [Prices correct at the time of publication].

There are also many guesthouses to apply to, which vary in fanciness from utilitarian for a short business trip, to the ultimate in luxury – with Tripadvisor listing many of the popular ones, together with their amenities and a price indication.

Among the famous South Africans who were born and/or grew up in Witbank are Miss World, Anneline Kriel; international jazz artist Hugh Masekela; captain of the Springbok rugby team that won the 1995 World Cup; Francois Pienaar, professional footballer Percy Tau; and paralympic gold medallist for discus and shotput, Leon Labuschagne.

Other VIPs include MEC for the Mpumalanga department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali (who was also the former deputy president of the South African Local Government Association); and local politician Jackson Mthembu.

Private Property describes Witbank eMalahleni as a “haven in the higveld”, attracting as it does a virbant mix of young professionals, retired folk, and small families. Think “There is a bustling community of coffee shops, cultural villages, farm stalls, competition golf courses and nature reserves”, with excellent schools for those with a tribe of kids.

Popular suburbs in which to rent or buy a home include Die Heuwel, Jackaroo Park, Hoeveld Park, Reyno Ridge, Tasbet Park, Del Judor, Kwaguqa, and Naaupoort; while schooling options including Witbank High School, Witbank Primary School, Hoerskool Reynopark, HTS Witbank, and Laerskool Kragbron, according to the area experts from Chas Everitt.

When it comes to property prices, Rawson explains that the local real estate market has remained buoyant over the past 12 months, with property data company Lightstone reporting at least 200 sales over that period.

New two-bedroom townhouses in the lower priced suburbs of Duvha Park and Tasbet Park go for a steal at about R450 000, and three-bed apartments/homes for between R490k and R530k.

Middle-income families are looking at purchase prices for three-bedroom and bigger homes at between R800k and R2 million – in suburbs such as Marelden, die Heuwel, Del Judor, Model Park, and River View; while the higher end of the market are paying up to R4,5 million for a luxurious four, five or more bedroomed house in the likes of die Heuwel, Hoeveld Park, Reyno Ridge, Ben Feur, and Bankenveld. You may even see asking prices of up to R20 million for super-luxury waterfront homes on the Witbank Dam.

SA-Venues suggests that you don’t bypass a visit to the Brazen Head Pub and Restaurant, which positions itself as an authentic venue of Irish persuasion – and is known for its fresh produce, hearty meals, and reasonable prices.

Another venue guaranteed to keep the entire family entertained, is the Highveld Mall with its full range of shops, restaurants, audio-visual outlets, technological gadgets, home décor stores, banks, and more besides. Browse the likes of major tenants MAC, Dior, Sportsmans Warehouse, Edgars, Earthaddict, Quiksilver, Guess, Woolworths, Game, Pick n Pay, and Adidas; and catch a bite at an old favourite such as Fishaways, Debonairs, Ocean Basket, Mugg & Bean, Steers, Pizza Hut, Wimpy, Nando’s, or News Café.

The Ridge Casino, Hotels & Entertainment venue is linked to the Highveld Mall; don;’t worry if gambling is not your vibe, as it also houses a move theatre, tenpin bowling, putt-putt, and a variety of rides for the kids.

According to SA Explorer, Witbank’s coldest month is July when the mercury drops to a very chilly 1.7°C, on average, each evening; while of the three warmest summer months, January is generally the hottest at an average of 25.8 degrees most days.

When it comes to rainfall, this occurs most readily during the summer months – Witbank’s annual rainfall tends to be around 522mm each year.

For the fit and sporty, be sure to sign up for one, or more, of the variety of sports on offer at Action Sports Witbank. These range from action cricket and action hockey, to action soccer and action hockey.

The idea is that even in inclement weather, you can stay active, make friends, and test the sporting prowess you may not have had a chance to put in motion since your school or varsity days. All equipment is supplied, there are change rooms and showers, and you don’t have to know how to score because it’s all done for you and your team electronically.