# 50 leading corporate groups and holding companies in South Africa Tamtam tracks 120 corporate groups and holding companies headquartered in South Africa. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Standard Bank Group, The Shoprite Group of Companies and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. Their median headcount is 4,636. Half of them were founded in 1974 or later. The most common headquarters are Johannesburg (20), Cape Town (6) and Sandton (5). This list features large corporate groups and holding companies in South Africa. Key players include Standard Bank Group, a financial services provider; The Shoprite Group of Companies, a retail giant; Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, a power utility; and MTN, a telecommunications operator. Many of these companies have a significant presence across the African continent. A notable pattern among these companies is their long-standing history, with several founded in the 19th or early 20th century. Transnet SOC Ltd was founded in 1850, Standard Bank Group in 1862, Gold Fields in 1887, and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd in 1923. The majority of these large corporate entities are headquartered in Johannesburg, highlighting its role as a major business hub. πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa Β· 50 companies Β· Updated Nov 13, 2026 | # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | [Standard Bank Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/standard-bank-group) (standardbank.com)
Financial services provider focused on inclusive, sustainable economic development and growth across sub-Saharan Africa with ethical business practices. | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 70,728 | 1862 | | 2 | [The Shoprite Group of Companies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-shoprite-group-of-companies) (shopriteholdings.co.za)
Large scale food retailing across Africa providing affordable goods, financial services, and pharmaceuticals through innovative technology, data science, and sustainable community development initiatives. | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 47,851 | | | 3 | [Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eskom-holdings-soc-ltd) (eskom.co.za)
A leading power utility in South Africa, with a significant presence in electricity generation, transportation, and distribution on the African continent | Utilities | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 42,862 | 1923 | | 4 | [MTN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mtn) (mtn.com)
A leading pan-African mobile operator focused on bridging the digital divide and advancing financial inclusion through technology and connectivity solutions | Telecommunications | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 42,718 | | | 5 | [Absa Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/absa-group) (absa.africa)
African financial services company focused on growth, with presence in multiple countries and insurance operations across the continent | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 42,684 | 2018 | | 6 | [Pick n Pay](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pick-n-pay) (pnp.co.za)
Operating diverse retail formats across Africa providing affordable groceries, clothing, and general merchandise while creating economic opportunities and social impact through various store channels. | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Kenilworth | 34,254 | 1967 | | 7 | [Transnet SOC Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/transnet-soc-ltd) (transnet.net)
Management of ports, rail, and pipelines to support South Africa's economic growth through infrastructure modernization and strategic partnerships. | Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 27,696 | 1850 | | 8 | [Massmart](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/massmart) (massmart.co.za)
Operates over 300 stores across 8 sub-Saharan countries, leading market shares in general merchandise, liquor, home improvement, and wholesale food sectors. | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Sandton | 16,817 | | | 9 | [Discovery Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/discovery-limited) (discovery.co.za)
Leading global company innovating in health, life, and short-term insurance, promoting wellness and shared value through Vitality program. | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 14,735 | 1992 | | 10 | [Clicks Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clicks-group) (clicksgroup.co.za)
Leading healthcare, beauty, and wellness retailer in South Africa with a network of over 850 stores and 670 pharmacies, committed to increasing access to affordable healthcare | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 13,474 | 1968 | | 11 | [MultiChoice Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/multichoice-group) (multichoice.com)
Provides entertainment platforms and content security services, delivering African storytelling to over 19 million people across 50 countries. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Randburg | 13,144 | 1995 | | 12 | [Old Mutual](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/old-mutual) (oldmutual.com)
Pan-African financial services company focused on meeting Africa's needs by supporting education, housing, small businesses, and infrastructure development. | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 13,100 | | | 13 | [Coca-Cola Beverages Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/coca-cola-beverages-africa) (ccbagroup.com)
Largest African Coca-Cola bottler with 14,000 employees, serving 800,000 customers across 14 countries with local and international brands. | Food and Beverage Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ | 11,379 | 2016 | | 14 | [GOLD FIELDS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gold-fields) (goldfields.com)
gold mining company with operations in multiple countries, focused on creating value and fostering an inclusive, connected workforce | Mining | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Sandton | 9,997 | 1887 | | 15 | [Momentum Group Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/momentum-group-limited) (d36xr1heovsi2m.cloudfront.net)
Life insurance and financial services group offering retail and specialist brands focused on client empowerment, accountability, and community care. | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Centurion | 9,445 | | | 16 | [Stanbic Bank](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stanbic-bank) (standardbank.com)
Banking and financial services across Africa and emerging markets with focus on personal, business, corporate, investment, and wealth sectors. | Banking | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ | 8,289 | 1862 | | 17 | [Truworths](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/truworths) (truworths.co.za)
Leading fashion retailer with cash and account options, offering clothing, footwear, and accessories through multiple brands and large-format stores | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 7,908 | 1917 | | 18 | [Life Healthcare](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/life-healthcare) (lifehealthcare.co.za)
Global diversified healthcare organization offering acute care, mental health, rehabilitation, renal dialysis, medical imaging, and radiopharmaceutical products and services. | Hospitals and Health Care | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ | 7,178 | 1983 | | 19 | [Sun International](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sun-international) (corporate.suninternational.com)
A leading company in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment industry, offering luxury hotels, casinos, and premier resorts with a focus on exceptional service and responsible corporate citizenship | Gambling Facilities and Casinos | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 6,085 | 1977 | | 20 | [Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telesure-investment-holdings-tih) (tihsa.co.za)
Innovative financial holding company in South Africa, offering insurance, comparison, and investment services to provide peace of mind to customers | Insurance | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Dainfern | 6,011 | 1998 | | 21 | [OUTsurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/outsurance) (outsurance.co.za)
An insurance company offering cash back bonuses for claim-free customers, multiple product lines, and a history of industry awards and recognition | Insurance | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Centurion | 5,704 | 1998 | | 22 | [South African Airways](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/south-african-airways) (flysaa.com)
Leading carrier in Africa, offering passenger and cargo transport services, maintenance facilities, catering, and regional flights within South Africa and internationally | Airlines and Aviation | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 5,408 | 1934 | | 23 | [Hollard Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hollard-insurance) (hollard.co.za)
Specialist brokers understand your business needs and ensure coverage where you are, providing tailored insurance solutions | Insurance | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 5,337 | 1980 | | 24 | [Exxaro Resources](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/exxaro-resources) (exxaro.com)
A leading South African coal producer with diversified mining interests, embracing renewable energy and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 | Mining | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 5,235 | 2006 | | 25 | [Clientele Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clientele-limited) (clientele.co.za)
A diversified financial services group in South Africa, offering easy-to-understand financial products through direct marketing channels, with sustained growth and high returns | Insurance | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 4,636 | 1997 | | 26 | [PPS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pps) (pps.co.za)
Specializing in financial, investment, and healthcare products for graduate professionals Licensed insurer providing tailored solutions for life insurance needs | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 4,547 | 1941 | | 27 | [RMB - Rand Merchant Bank](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rmb-rand-merchant-bank) (rmb.co.za)
Provides innovative corporate and investment banking services including advisory, funding, trading, and risk management across Africa and globally. | Banking | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 4,478 | | | 28 | [Santam Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/santam-insurance) (santam.co.za)
A leading general insurer in South Africa providing short-term insurance solutions through broker networks and direct sales, with a focus on protecting assets for over a century | Insurance | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Bellville | 4,426 | 1918 | | 29 | [Ignition Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ignition-group) (ignitiongroup.co.za)
Ignition empowers consumers, entrepreneurs, and organizations by providing technology, media, telecommunications, and customer experience solutions tailored to individual needs | Technology, Information and Media | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Umhlanga Rocks | 2,866 | 2002 | | 30 | [Naspers Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/naspers-limited) (naspers.com)
Global consumer internet company investing in technology and ecommerce businesses, empowering people and enriching communities worldwide. | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 2,856 | 1915 | | 31 | [Adcorp Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/adcorp-group) (adcorpgroup.com)
A workforce solutions provider offering diverse talent management solutions in various industries and regions to shape markets and economies | Human Resources Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 2,851 | 1975 | | 32 | [PG Group (Pty) Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/pg-group-pty-ltd) (pggroup.co.za)
A leading integrated glass business in Southern Africa, manufacturing, distributing, and installing automotive & building glass, aluminium doors & windows, and window film solutions | Glass, Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Bedfordview | 2,773 | 1897 | | 33 | [Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/premier-fmcg-pty-ltd) (premierfmcg.com)
A South African-based organization with a strong distribution network across multiple regions, focusing on various categories and brands, with a commitment to growth and innovation | Food and Beverage Manufacturing | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Waterfall City | 2,759 | 1824 | | 34 | [Barclays Africa Group Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/barclays-africa-group-limited)
The company underwent a name change to Absa Group Limited and aims to have one brand across all operations Follow their new LinkedIn page | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 2,671 | 1991 | | 35 | [Cape Union Mart Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cape-union-mart-group) (capeunionmart.co.za)
A retail division in South Africa offering outdoor adventure gear, trendy apparel, accessories, and unique home goods across three distinctive chains | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 2,635 | 1933 | | 36 | [Spur Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/spur-corporation) (spurcorporation.com)
A growing multi-brand restaurant franchisor with distinctive atmospheres, offering quality meals and family-friendly experiences through over 600 outlets worldwide | Restaurants | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Cape Town | 2,613 | 1967 | | 37 | [DRA Global](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dra-global) (draglobal.com)
An international group specializing in engineering, project delivery, and operations management in the mining industry, offering services across various commodities worldwide | Mining | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 2,502 | 1984 | | 38 | [Northam Platinum](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/northam-platinum) (northam.co.za)
An empowered PGM producer in South Africa, extracting platinum, palladium, and rhodium, with operations from mining to refining and community development | Mining | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Waterfall City | 2,253 | | | 39 | [Studio 88 Group of Companies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/studio-88-group-of-companies) (studio-88.co.za)
A leading fashion and footwear retail chain in South Africa, offering exclusive releases and top international brands in vibrant store settings Expanding presence in Africa | Retail | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 2,065 | 2001 | | 40 | [Comair Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/comair-limited) (comair.co.za)
An innovative and diversified aviation group operating airlines, training, catering, hospitality, and travel services in South Africa and beyond | Airlines and Aviation | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 2,047 | 1946 | | 41 | [AVI Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/avi-limited) (avi.co.za)
South African company with diverse brand portfolio spanning food, beverages, personal care, fashion apparel, and accessories, focused on brand growth and development | Manufacturing | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Bryanston | 1,781 | 1933 | | 42 | [Famous Brands](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/famous-brands) (famousbrands.co.za)
A leading franchisor in the restaurant industry with a diverse portfolio of much-loved brands, offering innovative food services solutions and sustainable growth | Food and Beverage Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 1,754 | 1960 | | 43 | [Super Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/super-group) (supergroup.co.za)
Broad-based supply chain management business with expertise in vehicle dealerships, fleet management, and international operations, providing comprehensive products and services | Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Sandton | 1,699 | 1986 | | 44 | [Stefanutti Stocks Civils](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stefanutti-stocks-civils) (stefstocks.com)
Leading civil engineering contractor in Southern Africa specializing in reinforced concrete construction, industrial plants, infrastructure projects, and environmental rehabilitation with a focus on safety and quality | Civil Engineering | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Chloorkop | 1,678 | | | 45 | [MOTUS HOLDINGS LIMITED](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/motus-holdings-limited) (motus.co.za)
Leading vehicle business in South Africa with international presence, offering import, retail, rental, mobility solutions, and aftermarket parts. | Wholesale Motor Vehicles and Parts | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Johannesburg | 1,651 | 2017 | | 46 | [FirstRand Corporate Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/firstrand-corporate-centre) (firstrand.co.za)
The FirstRand Corporate Centre provides critical functions for a large financial services group, focusing on risk, compliance, governance, and collaboration | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Sandton | 1,622 | | | 47 | [MMI Holdings](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mmi-holdings) (momentummetropolitan.co.za)
A South African financial services group specializing in insurance, asset management, investments, healthcare, and employee benefits with a focus on lifelong financial wellness | Financial Services | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Pretoria | 1,618 | | | 48 | [Datacentrix](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/datacentrix) (datacentrix.co.za)
Hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider in Africa and the Middle East, specializing in digital transformation and aligning ICT initiatives with business strategy | IT Services and IT Consulting | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Midrand | 1,568 | 1994 | | 49 | [Primedia Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/primedia-group) (primedia.co.za)
African focused media and advertising group. Delivering innovative radio, content, digital solutions. Provides a wide range of out-of-home advertising solutions. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Sandton | 1,560 | | | 50 | [Group Five "Structured Ingenuity"​](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/group-five-structured-ingenuity) (groupfive.co.za)
A leading African group offering construction, concessions, and manufacturing services across the infrastructure life cycle, with a focus on innovation and employee development | Construction | πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ Midrand | 1,506 | 1974 | ## How this list is built Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 13, 2026. ## More company lists in South Africa - [The largest companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-south-africa) (1,847) - [Multinational companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-south-africa) (433) - [Financial services firms in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-south-africa) (230) - [Retail chains in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-south-africa) (212) - [Financial Services companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-south-africa) (205) - [Manufacturers in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-south-africa) (196) - [Critical infrastructure operators in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-south-africa) (127) - [Companies with a mobile app in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-south-africa) (112) - [Education providers in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-south-africa) (108) - [Distributors and wholesalers in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-south-africa) (103) - [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-south-africa) (94) - [Public sector organisations in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-south-africa) (91) - [Professional services firms in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-south-africa) (91) - [Retail companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-companies-south-africa) (86) - [E-commerce companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-south-africa) (83) - [Publicly traded companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-south-africa) (82) - [Food and beverage companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-south-africa) (69) - [Companies with in-house R&D in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-south-africa) (66) - [Hotel and hospitality groups in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-south-africa) (61) - [IT services companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-south-africa) (60) - [Logistics companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-south-africa) (60) - [Hardware manufacturers in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-south-africa) (58) - [Consulting firms in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-south-africa) (56) - [Franchise networks in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/franchise-networks-south-africa) (54) ## The same list elsewhere in South Africa - [Corporate groups and holding companies in Gauteng](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-gauteng) (75) - [Corporate groups and holding companies in Johannesburg](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-johannesburg) (37) ## The same list elsewhere - [Corporate groups and holding companies in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-the-world) (12,862) - [Corporate groups and holding companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-africa) (468) --- Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-south-africa