15 Companies Hiring festive workers in South Africa this December are opening their doors to young jobseekers, students, and matriculants with no prior work experience. The holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year, and employers urgently need extra staff to manage crowds, keep shelves stocked, and serve customers in stores, cinemas, and pharmacies.
For unemployed youth, this is more than a chance to earn money — it’s an opportunity to gain your very first work experience, learn valuable customer service skills, and possibly secure a permanent role in 2026. Whether you live in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, or smaller towns, these festive jobs are widely available and do not require advanced qualifications.
In this guide, you’ll find 15 real companies hiring seasonal staff in 2025, along with job roles, reasons to apply, and direct application links.
Why Festive Jobs Are a Great Opportunity
- No experience needed: Employers train you on the job.
- Flexible hours: Many roles are part-time, making them perfect for students.
- Extra income: Earn money for December expenses and family support.
- Career stepping stone: Many people start in seasonal roles and later become permanent staff.
- Skills for your CV: Customer service, teamwork, and time management are valuable everywhere.
15 Companies Hiring People Without Experience
1. Woolworths
Woolworths is a top choice for festive jobseekers. Stores become extremely busy in December, so they hire seasonal assistants across the country.
Roles available: Shelf packers, cashiers, floor assistants.
Why it’s good: Woolworths is a respected national brand. Having it on your CV makes you stand out.
How to apply: Woolworths Careers
2. Shoprite Group
Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave stores hire thousands of part-time staff each festive season.
Roles available: Till operators, merchandisers, stock assistants.
Why it’s good: Shoprite is the largest retailer in Africa and is known for promoting seasonal workers into permanent positions.
How to apply: Shoprite Careers
3. Ackermans
Ackermans focuses on affordable fashion and is popular among young workers starting out.
Roles available: Shop assistants, cashiers.
Why it’s good: A youth-friendly retailer with lots of seasonal opportunities.
How to apply: Ackermans Careers
4. Cape Union Mart
Outdoor and adventure retail brand Cape Union Mart needs festive staff nationwide.
Roles available: Sales assistants, store greeters.
Why it’s good: Known for good training and often keeps high-performing staff beyond December.
How to apply: Cape Union Mart Careers
5. TFG (The Foschini Group)
TFG runs multiple stores, including Foschini, Markham, Totalsports, and Exact.
Roles available: Sales assistants, festive-season cashiers, youth learnerships.
Why it’s good: Their learnership programmes provide paid training and are a great way to gain long-term skills.
How to apply: TFG Careers
6. Ster-Kinekor Theatres
Cinemas are packed during the holidays, so Ster-Kinekor hires extra staff.
Roles available: Cashiers, cinema assistants, waiters.
Why it’s good: Youth-friendly work with flexible shifts, perfect for students.
How to apply: Ster-Kinekor Vacancies
7. Clarks
The shoe retailer Clarks also adds seasonal staff in December.
Roles available: Sales assistants.
Why it’s good: Good for those looking for a start in fashion retail.
How to apply: Clarks Careers
8. Old Khaki
Old Khaki, part of TFG, hires festive workers to assist in stores.
Roles available: Sales assistants, stock assistants.
Why it’s good: A trendy brand with a youth-driven culture.
How to apply: TFG Careers
9. LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
LUSH is known for its eco-conscious and vibrant stores.
Roles available: Seasonal sales assistants.
Why it’s good: Fun and interactive environment, with training provided.
How to apply: LUSH Careers
10. Clicks Group
Clicks stores are always busy in December, needing extra staff.
Roles available: Cashiers, shop assistants, pharmacy support.
Why it’s good: Clicks often promotes seasonal workers into permanent roles.
How to apply: Clicks Careers
11. Pick n Pay
Pick n Pay supermarkets hire extra festive staff every year across South Africa.
Roles available: Cashiers, shelf packers, stockroom assistants.
Why it’s good: Accessible nationwide with opportunities in both cities and smaller towns.
How to apply: Pick n Pay Careers
12. Mr Price Group (Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sport)
Mr Price stores are a favourite for festive shopping and hire large numbers of staff in December.
Roles available: Sales assistants, cashiers, floor staff.
Why it’s good: Energetic and youth-driven culture, ideal for first-time workers.
How to apply: Mr Price Careers
13. Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Dis-Chem strengthens its workforce during the busy festive season.
Roles available: Cashiers, shop assistants, stockroom workers.
Why it’s good: A growing retail chain that often promotes from within.
How to apply: Dis-Chem Careers
14. Edgars
Edgars fashion stores need extra help during the December shopping rush.
Roles available: Seasonal cashiers, floor assistants, customer support.
Why it’s good: Great first job in fashion retail, with lots of customer interaction.
How to apply: Edgars Careers
15. Pep Stores
Pep is one of South Africa’s largest clothing and household retailers, especially in townships and smaller towns.
Roles available: Cashiers, shop assistants, stockroom helpers.
Why it’s good: Pep is well-known for giving young South Africans their first work experience.
How to apply: Pep Careers
Where Else to Find Festive Season Jobs
Apart from applying directly to companies, you can also explore trusted job portals that focus on youth and seasonal employment.
Nasi iSpani
Nasi iSpani is a dedicated youth employment platform with listings for jobs, learnerships, and internships.
Why it’s good:
- Focused on youth, making it easier to find entry-level festive roles.
- Offers a mix of short-term and long-term opportunities.
- Safe and trusted, reducing the risk of scams.
Jobs Gauteng
Jobs Gauteng is the official provincial portal for employment opportunities.
Why it’s good:
- Verified government-backed listings.
- Includes temporary, part-time, and festive jobs.
- Covers Gauteng, the country’s economic hub.
Other Job Boards
In addition to Nasi iSpani and Jobs Gauteng, keep checking:
These platforms are updated daily with short-term retail, customer service, and logistics roles.
How to Apply Without Experience
- Update your CV: Keep it short. Focus on school, volunteer work, or community involvement.
- Be flexible: Indicate that you can work evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
- Prepare for interviews: Dress neatly, smile, and show enthusiasm.
- Apply early: Festive positions fill quickly. Don’t wait until December.
- Stay professional online: Employers often check social media. Keep profiles clean.
Tip: Where to Get a Free CV Template in SA to design a simple, professional CV.
Job Scam Alert
Be careful of scams targeting festive jobseekers:
- Never pay for applications, uniforms, or training.
- Avoid WhatsApp adverts offering unrealistic pay.
- Apply only via official company sites or government platforms.
- Report scams to the Department of Employment and Labour.
FAQ’s About Festive Season Jobs in South Africa
1. Where can I get a job with no experience this December?
You can apply at major retailers like Woolworths, Shoprite, Ackermans, Pick n Pay, Mr Price, Pep, and Clicks. These companies actively hire festive workers with no prior job experience.
2. Which stores are hiring festive workers in South Africa?
Top stores include Woolworths, Shoprite, Ackermans, Cape Union Mart, Mr Price, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, Pep, and Edgars. Most open festive job applications around October.
3. When do festive jobs open in 2025?
Most companies begin advertising festive roles from October through November 2025. It’s best to apply early because positions fill up quickly before December.
4. Do I need a CV to apply for a festive job?
Yes, almost all companies require a CV. Keep it short — include your education, skills, and availability. Free templates are available on Canva.
5. How much do festive jobs pay in South Africa?
Pay varies by company and role, but most festive jobs pay between R25 – R35 per hour or offer a monthly contract salary. Some companies also provide staff discounts.
6. Can students and matriculants apply for festive jobs?
Yes, students and matriculants are the main target for these roles. Employers look for flexible, energetic staff available for evening, weekend, and public holiday shifts.
7. How do I avoid festive job scams?
- Only apply through official company websites.
- Avoid paying for applications, uniforms, or training.
- Ignore WhatsApp adverts offering “guaranteed jobs” with high pay.
- Trusted portals include SAYouth.mobi, Jobs Gauteng, and Nasi iSpani.
8. What skills do I need for a festive job if I have no experience?
Employers want simple but important skills: good communication, reliability, punctuality, teamwork, and willingness to learn. A positive attitude counts more than experience.
9. Can festive jobs turn into permanent employment?
Yes. Many companies like Shoprite, Clicks, Pep, and Pick n Pay retain high-performing seasonal workers as permanent staff after January.
10. Where else can I find festive job listings online?
In addition to company career sites, check:
These platforms update regularly with verified festive and part-time jobs.
Read more: Best Places to Find Part-Time Jobs for Students This 2025 Festive Season
Why Festive Jobs Matter for Your Future
These roles provide:
- Income during the holidays.
- Work experience for your CV.
- Skills like customer service and teamwork.
- Opportunities to move into permanent employment.
Also check: Your Rights During Festive Season Jobs: Employer Obligations Explained
The festive season in South Africa is a golden chance to enter the job market, even if you have no experience. From Woolworths and Shoprite to Ster-Kinekor and courier companies, employers are hiring nationwide.
Apply early, stay alert for scams, and bring your best energy to interviews. Your first festive job could be the stepping stone to a permanent role in 2026.