# Top 50 subscription businesses in South Africa

Tamtam tracks 53 subscription businesses headquartered in South Africa. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Telkom, Discovery Limited and MultiChoice Group. Their median headcount is 596. Half of them were founded in 1999 or later. The most common headquarters are Johannesburg (15), Cape Town (7) and Pretoria (6).

These South African subscription businesses are primarily large and mid-sized firms in telecommunications, financial services, and insurance. Telkom, founded in 1991, provides telecommunications services. Discovery Limited, established in 1992, innovates in health and life insurance. MultiChoice Group offers entertainment platforms and content security, while OUTsurance provides insurance with cash-back bonuses. Virgin Active South Africa focuses on gym experiences, and Mugg & Bean is a food and beverage service. A significant number of these companies, such as Telkom, Discovery Limited, and MultiChoice Group, were founded in the 1990s.

The headquarters of these companies are concentrated in major urban centers. Johannesburg hosts Discovery Limited, Clientele Limited, Vox Telecom, and DStv. Centurion is home to Telkom and OUTsurance. Pretoria is the base for Openserve, Mugg & Bean, and King Price Insurance. Cape Town, Durban, Stellenbosch, and Morningside each host one company from this selection.

🇿🇦 South Africa · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Telkom](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telkom) (telkom.co.za)<br>South African telecommunications company offering affordable network services, enabling everyday ambitions through reliable connectivity and innovative communication solutions. | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Centurion | 16,006 | 1991 |
| 2 | [Discovery Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/discovery-limited) (discovery.co.za)<br>Leading global company innovating in health, life, and short-term insurance, promoting wellness and shared value through Vitality program. | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 14,735 | 1992 |
| 3 | [MultiChoice Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/multichoice-group) (multichoice.com)<br>Provides entertainment platforms and content security services, delivering African storytelling to over 19 million people across 50 countries. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇿🇦 Randburg | 13,144 | 1995 |
| 4 | [OUTsurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/outsurance) (outsurance.co.za)<br>An insurance company offering cash back bonuses for claim-free customers, multiple product lines, and a history of industry awards and recognition | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Centurion | 5,704 | 1998 |
| 5 | [Clientele Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clientele-limited) (clientele.co.za)<br>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 | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 4,636 | 1997 |
| 6 | [Virgin Active South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/virgin-active-south-africa) (virginactive.co.za)<br>A part of the Virgin Group, Virgin Active Africa aims to make exercise irresistible through innovative gym experiences and a passion for customer service | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 2,488 | 2000 |
| 7 | [Openserve](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/openserve) (openserve.co.za)<br>A telecommunications infrastructure provider in South Africa, offering the country's largest fixed broadband network as a subsidiary of the Telkom Group Email info@openservecoza | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 2,106 |  |
| 8 | [Vox Telecom](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vox-telecom) (vox.co.za)<br>Leading telecom operator offering voice, data, and collaboration services across southern Africa for both business and consumer markets. | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 2,101 |  |
| 9 | [DStv](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dstv) (dstv.com)<br>Global entertainment and technology company, providing world-class entertainment and sport to over 11 million customers in 49 countries through TV series, documentaries, feature films, and online streaming | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 1,991 | 1995 |
| 10 | [The Unlimited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-unlimited) (theunlimited.co.za)<br>This company prioritizes values, purpose, and the well-being of its people to create an innovative and forward-thinking workplace culture #UnlimitYourLife | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Durban | 1,852 | 1994 |
| 11 | [Mugg & Bean](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mugg-and-bean) (muggandbean.co.za)<br>A welcoming place where people gather for bottomless coffee, giant muffins, generous portions, and a friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back | Food and Beverage Services | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 1,827 | 1996 |
| 12 | [Herotel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/herotel) (herotel.com)<br>A company founded in 2015 with the goal of providing faster and more affordable internet to South Africans by uniting top ISPs | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Stellenbosch | 1,195 | 2015 |
| 13 | [King Price Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-price-insurance) (kingprice.co.za)<br>This company offers affordable and straightforward insurance solutions for cars, homes, businesses, and life, with a focus on fair payouts and customer satisfaction | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 1,164 | 2011 |
| 14 | [1Life Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/1life-insurance) (1life.co.za)<br>This company is a life insurer and financial services provider offering affordable and convenient insurance products to South Africans, with innovative solutions and digital services | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Morningside | 1,035 | 2006 |
| 15 | [Bidvest Steiner](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bidvest-steiner) (steiner.co.za)<br>Leading provider of integrated hygiene solutions for businesses in various industries, offering washroom hygiene, waste management, pest control, and deep cleaning services | Facilities Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 1,026 | 1958 |
| 16 | [MWEB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mweb) (mweb.co.za)<br>Leading South African ISP connecting over one million homes via fibre and LTE, partnering with infrastructure providers for high-performance connectivity. | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 998 | 1997 |
| 17 | [MiX Telematics](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mix-telematics) (powerfleet.com)<br>A global provider of connected solutions for fleet management, offering safety, efficiency, sustainability, compliance, and security services to customers worldwide | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Midrand | 980 | 1996 |
| 18 | [SEESA (Pty) Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/seesa-pty-ltd) (bit.ly)<br>A nationwide industry expert in South Africa offering a range of services including IR & HR software, BEE strategies, legal advice, and employee training | Legal Services | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 858 | 1998 |
| 19 | [Altech Netstar](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/altech-netstar) (netstar.co.za)<br>A leader in stolen vehicle recovery with the largest air and ground force in Africa Also provides digital fleet management solutions | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 837 | 1994 |
| 20 | [Affinity Health RSA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/affinity-health-rsa) (affinityhealth.co.za)<br>Leading health insurance provider in South Africa offering affordable and comprehensive health plans including Day-to-Day, Hospital, and Combined Health Plans tailored to individual needs | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Benoni | 794 | 2009 |
| 21 | [MIP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mip-johannesburg) (mip.co.za)<br>Provider of innovative IT solutions for the financial services industry, offering risk-based billing model, software-as-a-service technology, and extensive industry experience | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 737 | 1989 |
| 22 | [SAICA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saica) (saica.org.za)<br>A leading accountancy body in South Africa developing chartered accountants to become leaders in government, businesses, and communities Providing support services to members | Accounting | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 721 |  |
| 23 | [Gym Company \| Spa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gym-company-spa) (gymcompany.co.za)<br>A fitness and wellness provider with multiple locations offering personal service in top-notch facilities at accessible rates Visit website for more information | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 606 | 1997 |
| 24 | [Sweepsouth](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sweepsouth) (sweepsouth.com)<br>Online platform connecting clients to cleaners for home services Bringing technology to modernize the industry, offering hassle-free booking and short-notice availability | Internet Marketplace Platforms | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 597 | 2014 |
| 25 | [MetroFibre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/metrofibre) (metrofibre.co.za)<br>This company provides highly managed fibre optic broadband connectivity in South Africa, offering a variety of services tailored to meet business needs | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Highveld | 596 | 2010 |
| 26 | [Zone Fitness Clubs](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zone-fitness-clubs) (zonefitness.co.za)<br>Zone Fitness provides fun, affordable, and personalized fitness experiences through state-of-the-art facilities, professional trainers, and community-focused clubs across South Africa | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Bellville | 581 | 2002 |
| 27 | [Bootlegger](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bootlegger) (bootlegger.coffee)<br>Established in 2012 by three friends, this brand has multiple locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg, drawing inspiration from iconic music | Restaurants | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 576 | 2012 |
| 28 | [Ctrack](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ctrack) (ctrack.com)<br>Provider of AI-driven solutions for asset management, serving diverse clients from small businesses to industry giants across Africa | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Centurion | 566 | 1985 |
| 29 | [Afrihost](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/afrihost) (afrihost.com)<br>This company provides web hosting and IT services, prioritizing client and employee satisfaction over profit, founded by three best friends | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 561 | 2000 |
| 30 | [rain South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rain-south-africa) (rain.co.za)<br>A leading provider of 5G and 4G mobile and home internet services in South Africa, aiming to make data accessible and affordable | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 550 |  |
| 31 | [Bestmed Medical Scheme](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bestmed-medical-scheme) (bestmed.co.za)<br>A non-profit mutual medical scheme in South Africa, providing quality healthcare for over 50 years through member-focused services and cost containment efforts | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 521 | 1964 |
| 32 | [Medihelp Medical Scheme](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/medihelp-medical-scheme) (medihelp.co.za)<br>Provider of quality, private healthcare cover in South Africa through one of the nation's largest open medical schemes with over 100 years of industry experience | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Tshwane | 520 | 1905 |
| 33 | [LexisNexis South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lexisnexis-south-africa) (lexisnexis.co.za)<br>Global provider of legal, regulatory, and business information with digital platforms, helping clients make informed decisions, ensure compliance, and advance the rule of law worldwide | Information Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 500 |  |
| 34 | [Old Mutual iWYZE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/old-mutual-iwyze) (iwyze.co.za)<br>Offering a wide range of insurance including short-term, gap cover, life, and business insurance to protect families and lifestyles Providing peace of mind | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 485 | 2010 |
| 35 | [Platinum Life](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/platinum-life) (platinumlife.co.za)<br>A specialized provider of insurance services with a focus on female cancer and male accidental disability cover, along with additional funeral and accidental death cover | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Sandton | 465 |  |
| 36 | [Two Mountains Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/two-mountains-group) (twomountains.co.za)<br>A provider of funeral and financial services, including financial planning, funeral policies, arrangements, repatriation, flowers, tombstones, and more | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 422 | 1999 |
| 37 | [LAW FOR ALL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/law-for-all) (lawforall.co.za)<br>Transforming legal landscape, breaking barriers to justice, making law affordable and accessible through innovative solutions and empowering individuals to enforce their rights | Legal Services | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 416 | 1993 |
| 38 | [Icebolethu Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/icebolethu-group) (icebolethugroup.co.za)<br>South Africa’s 2nd largest Funeral Assurance Group offering dignified burial solutions and excellence in the country (FSP45714) | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Durban | 411 | 2009 |
| 39 | [Prime South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prime-south-africa) (prime.co.za)<br>An innovative financial services provider offering affordable and reliable car insurance solutions in South Africa, focusing on transparency and customer fairness | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Sandton | 400 | 2009 |
| 40 | [Government Employees Medical Scheme](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/government-employees-medical-scheme) (gems.gov.za)<br>Specializing in healthcare for Government Employees, GEMS provides exceptional benefit options to meet their specific healthcare needs | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 395 | 2005 |
| 41 | [Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deel-local-payroll-powered-by-payspace) (payspace.com)<br>PaySpace offers tailored payroll and HR solutions for businesses of all sizes, meeting their specific needs and requirements effectively | Software Development | 🇿🇦 Blackheath | 355 | 2002 |
| 42 | [Showmax](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/showmax) (showmax.com)<br>Internet TV service offering a diverse range of African and international content, including series, kids' shows, live sport, with no ads, contracts, and unlimited access | Entertainment Providers | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 315 | 2015 |
| 43 | [DISCOVERY VITALITY](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/discovery-vitality) (discovery.co.za)<br>Based in South Africa, the organization offers health and wellness services at their location in Gauteng | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Sandton | 268 | 1992 |
| 44 | [Ignite Fitness Global](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ignite-fitness-global) (ignitefitness.com)<br>A leader in high-quality fitness facilities, offering over 70 group personal training classes daily, setting new standards for local gyms in South Africa | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Bellville | 233 | 2014 |
| 45 | [SAIPA - South African Institute of Professional Accountants](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saipa-south-african-institute-of-professional-accountants) (saipa.co.za)<br>Leading accountancy institute representing professional accountants, influencing legislation, advancing profession, providing latest knowledge, techniques, and international affiliations for members | Accounting | 🇿🇦 Halfway House | 184 | 1982 |
| 46 | [StarTimes Media SA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/startimes-media-sa) (starsat.co.za)<br>A pan-African direct broadcast satellite service provider offering digital television services, system integration, network operation, digital technology, content, and distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇿🇦 Midrand | 182 | 1988 |
| 47 | [Supersonic](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/supersonic) (supersonic.co.za)<br>A home broadband network launched in 2018, offering reliable and high-speed internet services to customers across South Africa with various connectivity options | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Roodepoort | 181 | 2018 |
| 48 | [Planet42](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/planet42) (planet42.com)<br>Providing accessible car ownership in South Africa and Mexico through a rent-to-buy subscription model, helping individuals in emerging markets change their lives | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 67 | 2017 |
| 49 | [Skynamo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/skynamo) (skynamo.com)<br>It provides a platform for field sales teams to manage orders, automate tasks, and gain insights through real-time data. | Software Development | 🇿🇦 Stellenbosch | 63 | 2012 |
| 50 | [Briisk](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/briisk) (briisk.io)<br>Briisk helps insurance businesses transition to digital practices by offering a SaaS platform for creating, distributing, and automating insurance products | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 40 | 2016 |

## 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 12, 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)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-south-africa) (120)
- [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)

## The same list elsewhere in South Africa

- [Subscription businesses in Gauteng](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-gauteng) (38)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Subscription businesses in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-in-the-world) (11,417)
- [Subscription businesses in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-in-africa) (111)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-south-africa
