Unlocking remote work
In the evolving global job market, remote work has become not just a perk but a critical lifeline for many professionals, especially in regions where local opportunities are limited. For South Africans eager to tap into international income streams, the question isn’t if you can find remote work, but where. Below, we unpack what those companies are (where possible), what roles they typically offer, and tips for landing such remote jobs.
Why remote work for South Africans?
- Access to stronger markets: Many remote roles originate in countries with stronger currencies and higher wage standards, allowing South African professionals to earn more than they might locally.
- Flexibility & autonomy: Remote roles often allow more control over schedules, which is vital for people balancing multiple income streams or other responsibilities.
- Global diversification: Relying on a single local employer can be risky; remote work offers diversification across geographies.
- Growing acceptance: More companies are embracing remote models, which opens opportunities for talent everywhere, not just in tech hubs.
What type of roles are available?
- Virtual assistant/administrative roles that need strong organisation skills, communication, and familiarity with software tools.
- Digital marketing and content/social media roles, which require creative skills, a prior portfolio, and an understanding of online trends.
- Technical support and IT helpdesk will require the technical know-how, the ability to troubleshoot, and sometimes certifications.
4 legit companies hiring South Africans
Protos Virtual Assistants (ProtosVA) is a company that provides skilled virtual assistants (VAs) to businesses and executives. The company specialises in matching clients with remote professionals who can handle a wide range of tasks, from administrative support to specialised industry work.
SAVA is another recruitment company that specialises in offering US-based companies vetted South African virtual assistants.
Somewhere, is a company that specialises in recruiting global remote talent. It offers cost-effective access to pre-vetted professionals from various countries, handling the talent sourcing, screening, and onboarding process to connect businesses with the right remote workers
Cherry Assistant is a recruiting agency based in the United States that provides virtual assistants and other remote staff to businesses.
What Do These Companies Look For?
To be competitive when applying to remote roles from South Africa, these are common requirements you’ll come across:
- Strong English communication skills: written and verbal
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection.
- Prior experience in remote or customer-facing roles
- Technical comfort with digital tools (Zoom, Slack, helpdesk software, CRM)
- Ability to work across time zones : flexibility to accommodate US/UK business hours
- Demonstrable track record : customer satisfaction metrics, portfolio, or testimonials
Learn more here:
Tips for Landing Remote Work from South Africa
- Tailor your CV/resume for remote roles: Highlight remote experience or independent work.
- Emphasise accountability: Remote companies want people who require minimal supervision.
- Build a portfolio: If you do digital work (marketing, content, design), show results.
- Leverage remote job boards: Use remote-first job sites and platforms such as We Work Remotely .
- Prepare for remote interviews: Be ready to demonstrate your home workstation setup, punctuality, and self-motivation.
- Be cautious of scams: always verify the legitimacy of companies, and never pay any fees to process your application.
