Workforce data reveals that thousands of residents from communities such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Langa are helping power Cape Town’s fast-growing call centre industry, which now employs approximately 100 000 people across the metro.
According to analysis commissioned by the City through industry body CapeBPO, the largest share of employees working in international business process outsourcing (BPO) centres live in Mitchells Plain (16,3%), followed by Khayelitsha (15,3%), Langa (7,5%), Athlone (6,6%), Hanover Park (4,9%), Delft (4,2%), Elsies River (3,7%), Grassy Park (3,5%), Kraaifontein (3,5%) and Manenberg (3,2%).
Of the total workforce, around 70 000 Capetonians are employed in BPO operations servicing international clients, while a further 30 000 residents work in domestic call centres.
The insights provide a clearer picture of how the sector is contributing to job creation across a wide range of communities throughout Cape Town.
Jobs reaching communities across the metro
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said the data highlights how the benefits of the industry extend well beyond traditional commercial hubs.
While many BPO centres operate in business districts such as the CBD, Woodstock, Athlone and Century City, the workforce supporting these operations comes from communities across the metro.
The data provides valuable insights into how employment opportunities are distributed geographically and how the sector supports inclusive economic participation.
Clayton Williams, CEO of CapeBPO, noted that understanding where employees live helps guide future investment decisions, skills development programmes and infrastructure planning to ensure greater access to opportunity.
A global industry creating local impact
Cape Town has established itself as a leading global destination for business process outsourcing, supported by a strong English-speaking workforce, favourable time zone alignment with international markets and reliable telecommunications infrastructure.
Beyond job creation, the presence of call centres also contributes to local economic activity in surrounding areas, supporting retail, transport and service businesses.
The City continues to work closely with industry partners to strengthen the sector through targeted skills development programmes, investment promotion and support for international companies establishing operations in Cape Town.
Supporting future growth and access to opportunity
Looking ahead, workforce data is helping inform discussions about where future call centre operations could be located, with areas such as Mitchells Plain, Athlone and Bellville forming part of broader considerations around aligning investment with where people live.
The continued growth of the BPO sector demonstrates how global demand can connect with local talent to create employment pathways and support economic development across Cape Town communities.
