This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On June 20, 2020, Amazon announced plans to hire 3000 South Africans this year, expanding its workforce in the country.
The new hires will work from home, providing customer service and technical expertise to Amazon customers in North America and Europe.
Technical employees will support customers with queries on devices, digital, and Alexa, translating complex information and providing instructions to help troubleshoot issues.
Amazon's customer service unit has operated in South Africa since 2010, with the company's first AWS data centre launched in Cape Town in April 2020.
According to Andrew Raichin, director of Amazon Customer Service in South Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transition of work.
Successful candidates will require a private, quiet workspace and a dedicated internet connection.
The expansion of Amazon's workforce in South Africa demonstrates the country's innovative talent, strong ICT infrastructure, and digital capabilities.
Amazon's growth in South Africa is also reflected in its other business ventures, including the leasing of 12 Boeing cargo planes and its partnership with Safaricom to become an AWS reseller.
