Why are big companies important to a country?

On this page, we will discuss why are big companies important to a country. Big companies play a crucial role in the development and growth of a country. In South Africa, there are a number of large companies that have made significant contributions to the economy and society.

Here’s a simplified table summarizing the key reasons why big companies are important to South Africa:

ReasonDetails
Job CreationBig companies like Shoprite employ thousands, reducing unemployment and improving living standards in South Africa.
Tax RevenueSignificant taxes paid by large companies, such as the R3 billion by Anglo American in 2019, fund government services and infrastructure.
Economic GrowthContributions to the economy’s growth through revenue and job creation, exemplified by MTN Group’s R120 billion contribution to South Africa’s GDP in 2019.
Community DevelopmentInvestments in community projects, like Impala Platinum’s R1 billion in Rustenburg, build schools and healthcare clinics.
Technology and InnovationLeading in technology and innovation, companies like Dimension Data drive economic growth and improve living standards through digital transformation and innovative projects.

These factors illustrate the vital role big companies play in the development and growth of South Africa, impacting job creation, economic stability, community welfare, and technological advancement.

Reasons why big companies are important to a country

Here are some of the key reasons why big companies are important to South Africa:

Job creation: Big companies in South Africa employ thousands of people, providing much-needed employment opportunities for citizens. For example, the retail giant Shoprite employs over 150,000 people in South Africa alone. This helps to reduce unemployment rates and improve the standard of living for many South Africans.

Tax revenue: Large companies in South Africa pay significant amounts of tax, which helps to fund government services and infrastructure development. For example, the mining company Anglo American paid over R3 billion in taxes in 2019. This revenue is crucial for the government to provide services such as education and healthcare to citizens.

Economic growth: Big companies in South Africa contribute to the overall growth of the economy by generating revenue and creating jobs. For example, the telecommunications company MTN Group is one of the largest contributors to South Africa’s GDP, with revenues of over R120 billion in 2019. This economic growth helps to improve the standard of living for all citizens.

Community development: Many large companies in South Africa invest in community development projects, such as building schools and healthcare clinics. For example, the mining company Impala Platinum has invested over R1 billion in community development projects in Rustenburg. These projects help to improve the lives of local communities and reduce poverty.

Technology and innovation: Large companies in South Africa are often at the forefront of technology and innovation, which helps to drive economic growth and improve the standard of living for citizens. For example, the technology company Dimension Data is a leader in the field of digital transformation and has been involved in a number of innovative projects in South Africa.

Big companies play a vital role in the development and growth of South Africa. They create jobs, generate tax revenue, drive economic growth, invest in community development, and lead the way in technology and innovation. These contributions are crucial for the well-being and prosperity of all South Africans.

What is considered a big company?

What is considered a big company? Well, a company must employ at least 500 employees or workers to be considered as a big company.

Video: The BIGGEST Company In Each Country

The top 10 biggest companies in South Africa by market capitalisation

  • Vodacom Group Ltd (R213 bn)
  • Standard Bank Group Ltd (R306 bn)
  • FirstRand Limited (R367 bn)
  • Anglo American Plc (R530 bn)
  •  Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA (R610 bn)
  • Glencore Plc (R676 bn)
  • The BHP Group Plc (R730 bn)
  • British American Tobacco Plc (R1245 bn)
  • Naspers Limited (R1519 bn)
  • Anheuser Busch Inbev (R2117 bn)

Related blog posts

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Skills Development Act in Grade 12 Business Studies

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Skills Development Act in Grade 12 Business Studies. The Skills Development Act of 1998 was introduced in South Africa with the aim of improving the country’s economic growth, employment...

Diversification Strategies Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

Diversification Strategies Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes, Diversification Strategies : Notes, Common Exam Questions and Answers Guide, Online Quizzes and Activities for Business Studies Grade 12 Revision Studies, from Macro Environment: Business Strategies sectionDiversification Strategies Business Studies...

Professionalism Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

Professionalism : Notes, Common Exam Questions and Answers Guide, Online Quizzes and Activities for Business Studies Grade 12 Revision Studies, from Ethics and Professionalism section. On this page, grade 12 students learn and study...

Discrimination in the Work Place Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

On this page, grade 12 students learn and study for revision using questions based on Discrimination in the Work Place Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes. Every South African grade 12 learner who wants...

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Skills Development Act in Grade 12 Business Studies

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Skills Development Act in Grade 12 Business Studies. The Skills Development Act of 1998 was introduced in South Africa...

Diversification Strategies Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

Diversification Strategies Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes, Diversification Strategies : Notes, Common Exam Questions and Answers Guide, Online Quizzes and Activities for Business Studies...

List of Five goods on which no VAT is charged in South Africa

List of Five goods on which no VAT is charged in South Africa. Here’s a quick look at five goods on which no VAT...

Accounting Grade 12 Balance Sheet and Notes Test | Questions and Answers

This is for Accounting Grade 12 subject. The Accounting Grade 12 Balance Sheet and Notes Test study content will help you with your Accounting Subject Revisions, Tests, Exams, and Assignments.A balance...

Accounting Grade 12 List of Topics for Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4

Accounting Grade 12 List of Topics for Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4. Your meory plays a very importantpart in the...

Basic Accounting Concepts Grade 12 Notes Accounting Study Guide

Basic Accounting Concepts Grade 12 Notes Accounting Study Guide. Accounting is the process of tracking and recording financial activity. People and businesses use the...

Company Ledger Accounts – Accounting Grade 12 Revision Notes

Company Ledger Accounts Accounting Grade 12 Revision Notes. Company's general ledger account is organized under the general ledger with the balance sheet classified in...

Professionalism Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

Professionalism : Notes, Common Exam Questions and Answers Guide, Online Quizzes and Activities for Business Studies Grade 12 Revision Studies, from Ethics and Professionalism...

Economics Grade 12 Notes PDF Download

Economics is a social science with stakes in many other fields, including political science, geography, mathematics, sociology, psychology, engineering, law, medicine and business. The central...

Discrimination in the Work Place Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

On this page, grade 12 students learn and study for revision using questions based on Discrimination in the Work Place Business Studies Grade 12...

Macro Environment: Impact of Recent Legislations Business Studies Grade 12 Study Notes

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, companies must continually adapt to new legislation that shapes their macro environment. Macro Environment: Impact of Recent Legislations...

Why Does the Government Set Maximum Prices on Fuel

Why Does the Government Set Maximum Prices on Fuel. From time to time, the government regulates the prices of some goods and services such as...