Stellenbosch, the picturesque university town in the Western Cape, has quietly emerged as South Africa’s most surprising tech hub, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to a recent study by QuickBooks South Africa, the city boasts the highest number of tech-related job vacancies per capita, with an impressive 36 tech jobs for every 100 000 people.
This surge in demand for technology talent has propelled Stellenbosch ahead of larger cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, making it the country’s leading destination for aspiring tech professionals.
The study, which analysed over 16 000 listings from global job and hiring platform Indeed, reveals an increasingly competitive job market for tech roles across South Africa.
Stellenbosch, with its proximity to the highly regarded Stellenbosch University, is reaping the benefits of being a fertile ground for tech innovation. The town has become a magnet for companies seeking skilled developers, engineers and data experts.
‘Stellenbosch’s rise as a tech powerhouse is driven by several factors,’ explained a QuickBooks South Africa spokesperson.
‘With its vibrant academic community and increasing investment in digital infrastructure, Stellenbosch is well-positioned to nurture the next generation of tech talent. It also offers a more affordable living option compared to major urban hubs like Johannesburg or Cape Town.’
Midrand, just outside of Johannesburg, follows closely behind Stellenbosch in the rankings with 30 tech job vacancies per 100 000 residents. Johannesburg itself, traditionally known as South Africa’s business and tech capital, ranks third, with 24 tech-related job vacancies per 100 000 people.
These figures highlight a significant shift in South Africa’s technology job landscape, revealing a growing decentralisation of opportunities. While Johannesburg and Cape Town continue to host many of the country’s biggest tech companies, smaller cities like Stellenbosch are quickly gaining ground.
The tech talent boom is also being fuelled by high salaries. The highest-paying roles include ‘Engineering Manager,’ with an average annual salary of R840 000, followed by ‘Senior Developer’ and ‘Senior Java Developer,’ each earning an average of R813 831 per year.
These competitive salaries reflect the increased demand for tech professionals as businesses across the country adapt to the digital age.
As the demand for tech talent rises, South Africa’s smaller cities are also proving to be attractive alternatives for tech professionals. Stellenbosch’s combination of affordable living costs, high job demand, and proximity to world-class educational institutions makes it a compelling destination for anyone considering a career in technology.
‘This study also highlights an important shift,’ said the QuickBooks spokesperson.
‘Technology-related job opportunities are abundant not just in South Africa’s major cities but also in smaller towns like Stellenbosch and Midrand. For those considering a career switch or the launch of a tech business, these regions offer a high concentration of opportunities, often with the added benefit of lower living costs.’
As South Africa’s tech industry continues to thrive, Stellenbosch’s rise as a leader in tech job vacancies signals exciting prospects for both local residents and international talent. For those looking to make their mark in the tech world, it may just be time to look beyond the traditional big cities.
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https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-anti-pollution-visit-2025/
Picture: Stellenbosch University
