3 Best Shares on the JSE for Long Term Growth

By analyzing market trends, company performance, and economic indicators, we have listed and reviewed the 3 Best Shares on the JSE for Long-term investment. In this in-depth guide you will learn:

• The Best JSE Listed Shares for Long-term Investment – a List
• The Best JSE Shares to Buy Today
• The Best Performing Shares in South Africa
• The Best Companies to Buy Shares from in SA

and much, MUCH more!

3 Best Shares on the JSE for Long-Term Growth – a Comparison

3 Best Shares on the JSE for Long-Term Growth (2025)

1. ☑️ Gold Fields – Overall, the Best JSE Listed Stock for long-term growth
2. ☑️ Naspers – Investment Opportunities in various industries
3. ☑️ Sanlam – Focus on Innovative Financial Solutions

Gold Fields Limited

Gold Fields Limited, with its extensive mining footprint in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, and Peru, ranks among the world’s foremost unhedged gold-producing entities. Its sustainable mining ethos resonates with eco-conscious investors.

Viewed as a concrete asset providing insulation from inflation and currency instabilities, it’s deemed a dependable choice for retirement-focused portfolios.  The enterprise’s track record of consistency in unpredictable markets and dividend pay-out history highlights its potential as a rewarding long-term investment.

✅ Gold Fields has demonstrated consistent performance over the years, even during difficult market conditions.

✅ Gold Fields has a history of returning value to its shareholders through regular dividend payouts, which provides retirees with a consistent income stream.

✅ Gold Fields’ dedication to environmentally sustainable mining practices ensures long-term viability, in line with the growing global emphasis on sustainable investments.

Gold is traditionally regarded as a safe-haven asset, particularly during economic downturns or periods of high inflation. Investing in a gold-producing company, such as Gold Fields Limited, protects against market volatility.

Naspers

Naspers, a global internet group, began in the South African media industry but has since evolved into a tech behemoth with investments in various industries, including online classifieds, payments and fintech, food delivery, and e-commerce.

Tencent, China’s leading provider of internet value-added services, is one of its most notable investments. The ability of Naspers to identify and invest in high-growth digital companies has resulted in significant returns for its shareholders.

Naspers is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities as the digital revolution shapes global economies, making it a compelling choice for retirement portfolios.

✅ Naspers’ stake in Tencent and other tech firms positions them to benefit from the global digital transformation, which is expected to accelerate.

✅ Naspers has a diverse investment portfolio that spans several high-growth sectors, reducing reliance on a single revenue stream.

✅ Naspers’ dominant market position in many operational sectors ensures stability and reduces competitive threats.

Naspers stands to benefit from the continued expansion of digital services and online platforms, making it a forward-thinking investment.

Sanlam

Sanlam delivers comprehensive financial solutions encompassing insurance, retirement annuities, and wealth advisory. Its operations span 33 countries in Africa and other global territories, ensuring diverse income channels.

The firm’s dedication to innovation and broadening financial access has solidified its reputation. For investors aiming for a reliable retirement stock, Sanlam presents a promising choice due to its consistent performance.

✅ Sanlam’s diverse financial products and services cater to various demographics, ensuring a large customer base.

✅ Sanlam’s focus on innovative financial solutions and its commitment to financial inclusion ensures its continued relevance and growth potential.

✅ The insurance and annuities sector provides a stable revenue stream because of the recurring nature of premium payments and long-term contracts.

Because Sanlam operates in multiple countries, it is less vulnerable to economic downturns in any region.

Other Notable Retirement Stocks on the JSE

Sasol Limited

Sasol, an influential multinational chemical and energy corporation, is significant in the synthetic fuels sphere. Its groundbreaking technological advancements and committed sustainability initiatives make it attractive for long-term investment consideration.

✅ Sasol’s operations span multiple continents, allowing for geographical diversification and access to global markets.

✅ Sasol Limited’s emphasis on cutting-edge technologies positions it for future growth, particularly in sustainable energy solutions.

Sasol’s integrated chemicals and energy operations ensure multiple revenue streams, reducing reliance on a single sector.

Shoprite Holdings

Being the leading food retailer in Africa, Shoprite has forged an expansive footprint of stores spanning the entire continent. Its commitment to affordability and exceptional customer service has consistently driven its success, making it a valuable inclusion in retirement investment portfolios.

✅ Shoprite’s entry into new regions and markets bodes well for future growth.

✅ Shoprite has a dominant market position as Africa’s largest food retailer, ensuring consistent revenue.

Shoprite’s emphasis on affordability and customer satisfaction ensures brand loyalty and repeat business.

MTN Group

MTN is a prominent telecommunications giant operating across multiple African and Middle Eastern nations. Through its strategic push into digital services and its substantial market presence, it emerges as a potential candidate for long-term investment.

✅ MTN’s efforts to expand its digital and fintech services align with the global shift toward digitalization.

✅ The company’s ongoing infrastructure investment ensures better service delivery and customer retention.

MTN is a dominant player in the telecommunications sector, with a significant presence in multiple countries.

Overview of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has carved its niche among the top 20 global stock exchanges based on market capitalization.  Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, the JSE has seen notable transformations since its foundation in the late 1800s, both internally and in its global financial significance.

History and Evolution of the JSE

In 1887, the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand led to the founding of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) due to the economic surge it caused.

The JSE modernized from an open outcry method to an electronic platform in the early 2000s, enhancing its operational efficiency and global reach. Its continuous evolution showcases its dedication to leading financial market innovations.

Importance of the JSE in the African Financial Market

The JSE plays an important role in the African financial landscape. It is the continent’s largest stock exchange in terms of trading volume and market capitalization. Its significance extends beyond numbers; the JSE is a barometer for the region’s economic health and investor sentiment.

Because of its reputation, stringent regulatory framework, and access to a larger investor base, many African companies, regardless of their country of origin, aspire to list on the JSE.

Furthermore, the JSE is critical in attracting foreign direct investment into Africa by highlighting the continent’s potential and providing international investors with a platform to participate in the African growth story.

Key Sectors and Industries Represented

The JSE is home to diverse sectors and industries, reflecting the multifaceted South African economy. Among the prominent industries are:

✅ Given South Africa’s abundant mineral resources, the mining sector contributes significantly to the JSE. Companies that extract gold, platinum, and diamonds, among other minerals, have a significant presence on the exchange.

✅ South Africa’s banking and financial services sector is among the most advanced in the world. The JSE lists leading banks, insurance companies, and asset managers, allowing investors to participate in the sector’s growth.

✅ As digitalization and the need for connectivity have increased, telecommunications companies have gained prominence on the JSE. This sector includes global conglomerates that have expanded their operations beyond South Africa to serve customers across the continent.

✅ Several retail chains and consumer goods companies are listed on the JSE, reflecting South African consumption patterns. These businesses range from food retailers to clothing stores and everything in between.

In addition to these industries, the JSE is home to companies in the energy, healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors. This variety ensures that investors have diverse options, catering to various risk appetites and investment horizons.

What role does the JSE play in the African economy?

The JSE is Africa’s primary financial hub, facilitating capital raising, investment, and trading activities, thus driving regional economic growth.

Which sectors dominate the JSE listings?

While the JSE covers many industries, mining, finance, and industry have historically dominated listings.

Criteria for Selecting Retirement Stocks

One of the key goals in retirement planning is to secure a steady and dependable source of income. Many individuals invest their funds in retirement stocks to achieve this.

However, not all stocks are suitable for inclusion in retirement portfolios. Selecting stocks that align with retirees’ long-term objectives is crucial based on specific criteria. Here are some significant factors to consider.

Long-Term Stability and Growth

This refers to a company’s consistent performance over a protracted period, demonstrating its capacity to withstand economic downturns and seize growth opportunities.

Maintaining capital and ensuring steady growth over time are the top priorities for retirement investments. The best stocks to buy are those of businesses that have proven resilient during economic downturns and have a history of consistent growth.

Furthermore, these businesses frequently come from well-established sectors and have a track record of adjusting to market shifts.

Dividend Yield and Consistency

The annual dividend payment received by a shareholder relating to the stock price is known as dividend yield. The regularity and dependability of these dividend payments over time are referred to as consistency.  Dividends can supplement other retirement income sources by giving retirees a steady income stream. Retirement portfolios are drawn to companies with a track record of consistently paying high dividend yields.

Therefore, it is important to consider the company’s capacity to continue paying dividends in the future, if not even increase them.

Market Capitalisation and Liquidity

Market capitalization is the sum of the market values of a company’s outstanding shares of stock. In the market, liquidity refers to how quickly an asset or security can be bought or sold without impacting its price.  Furthermore, larger firms, frequently called blue-chip stocks, typically have higher market capitalizations and are viewed as more stable and less volatile than smaller firms.

For retirees who may need to sell assets for cash needs, high liquidity guarantees that investors can easily buy or sell shares without noticeable price fluctuations.

Company’s Financial Health and Debt Profile

This assesses the general financial well-being of a company, considering factors such as its balance sheet’s strength, cash flow statement stability, and level of indebtedness.

A financially sound business is more proficient at addressing economic difficulties, seizing growth opportunities, and meeting monetary commitments.  The probability of encountering financial distress diminishes when a company maintains low levels or easily manageable debt; this indicates that it is not excessively reliant on borrowed funds.

Individuals saving for retirement can safeguard their investments from unnecessary risks by investing in financially secure enterprises.

How does dividend yield factor into retirement stock selection?

Consistent and high dividend yields provide a steady income for retirees, supplementing other sources of retirement income.

How does market capitalization influence the selection of retirement stocks?

Greater market capitalization frequently indicates a company’s established presence, resilience, and lower volatility, making it suitable for retirement portfolios.

Retirement-Oriented Stock Investments – Risks and Considerations

Contemplating retirement-oriented stock investments for 2025 requires us to recognize the diverse risks that may impact the investment’s value and the anticipated returns.

Economic and Political Factors in South Africa

Like other emerging markets, South Africa confronts a distinctive combination of economic and political obstacles, including some of the following:

✅ Political decisions, policy shifts, and governance problems frequently influence the nation’s economic well-being.

✅ Government alterations on taxation, trade regulations, or foreign investment can directly affect the business landscape and stock market performance.

✅ Persistent political instability or uncertainty erodes investor confidence, resulting in capital outflows and declines in stock prices.

✅ South Africa also grapples with challenges such as power supply issues, labor conflicts, and concerns about land reform.

Therefore, these factors significantly affect investor sentiment, especially for companies relying heavily on domestic operations.

Global Market Volatility and Its Impact

Due to the interconnectedness of global financial markets, events in one region can have ripple effects in other regions.  As in previous years, factors such as geopolitical tensions, changes in global interest rates, and unexpected economic data from major economies can cause global market volatility in 2025.

This global volatility can result in significant price fluctuations for South African stocks, particularly for export-dependent or global supply chain companies.

In addition, as investors seek safe-haven assets during times of global uncertainty, emerging markets such as South Africa could experience capital outflows, putting downward pressure on stock prices.

Sector-Specific Risks (e.g., Mining, Technology)

Different industries are subject to their risks. A significant portion of South Africa’s economy, the mining industry, is vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations, regulatory changes, environmental issues, and labor disputes.  A decline in global commodity prices can significantly impact the profitability of mining companies, influencing their stock prices.

On the other hand, despite its significant growth potential, the technology sector is subject to rapid technological change, intense competition, and regulatory challenges. Companies that fail to innovate or adapt to shifting market dynamics can rapidly lose market share, harming their stock value.

Are currency risks a significant consideration for JSE investors?

Yes, currency risks caused by Rand fluctuations can impact export earnings, investment valuations, and overall stock market performance.

How do interest rate changes in major economies affect JSE investments?

Changes in interest rates in major economies can impact global investment patterns, capital flows, and borrowing costs, indirectly affecting JSE stock valuations and performance.

The Best Share CFD Brokers in South Africa

In this article, we have listed the best brokers offering forex trading to South African traders. We have further identified the brokers that offer additional services and solutions to South African traders.

Best MetaTrader 4 / MT4 Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, AvaTrade is the best MT4 Share CFD Broker in South Africa. A retail account at AvaTrade can trade more than 1,000 CFDs on MT4. Additionally, South Africans can access foreign CFDs on shares, providing ideal portfolio diversification.

Best MetaTrader 5 / MT5 Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, BDSwiss is the best MetaTrader 5 Share CFD Broker in South Africa. The MT5 trading platform from BDSwiss enables traders to engage in multi-asset trading while employing various strategies freely.

All levels of South African traders can profit from BDSwiss’ high-caliber research, education, and a vast collection of MT5 trading tools.

Best Share CFD Broker for beginners in South Africa

Overall, eToro is the best Share CFD Broker for beginners in South Africa. eToro is an easy-to-use and comprehensive trading platform for new traders. The online and mobile trading platforms eToro offers a broad range of useful, well-balanced features and tools.

Best Low Minimum Deposit Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, FBS is the best Low Minimum Deposit Share CFD Broker in South Africa. Most FBS accounts only require an opening deposit of 19 ZAR. All accounts at FBS can also be modified to suit the requirements of traders of all experience levels and focus areas.

Best ECN Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, RoboForex is the best ECN Share CFD Broker in South Africa. ECN traders are welcome at RoboForex, and new traders from South Africa can begin trading with as little as 190 ZAR ($10).

Strong liquidity and consistently quick trade execution speeds are appealing features, but so are the zero-pip spreads typical of ECN Accounts.

Best Islamic / Swap-Free Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, OANDA is the best Islamic / Swap-Free Share CFD Broker in South Africa. OANDA offers a unique Swap-Free Account to Muslim traders who follow Sharia law.

This implies that Muslim traders need not incur overnight expenses and may benefit from unique trading conditions catering to their objectives and needs.

Best Rebates Broker in South Africa

Overall, FXTM is the Best Rebates Broker in South Africa. South Africans can earn rebates of up to 25% commissions paid or 5 USD per lot on Forex on the Micro, Advantage, and Advantage Plus Accounts. Furthermore, traders can earn up to 80% back on trades via FXTM affiliates.

Best Share Trading App in South Africa

Overall, TD Ameritrade is the best share trading app in South Africa. The advantage of TD Ameritrade’s mobile trading software over its desktop counterpart is that it is more approachable while still providing users with a full range of options.

Furthermore, TD Ameritrade’s app is freely available from the respective app stores on all iOS and Android devices.

Best ZAR Trading Account Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, Exness is the best ZAR Trading Account Share CFD Broker in South Africa. South Africans can open a ZAR-denominated account through Exness and choose from various retail investor accounts.

Furthermore, another benefit of Exness for South Africans is the availability of local payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Best Lowest Spread Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, HYCM is the best lowest spread Share CFD Broker in South Africa. The total fee for the EUR/USD pair for the HYCM Raw account is approximately 0.6 pips, comparable to other brokers’ fees (after commission).

Additionally, HYCM is a reputable company that provides a seamless MetaTrader trading experience.

Best Nasdaq 100 Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, Plus500 is the best Nasdaq 100 Share CFD Broker in South Africa. Over 2,000 CFDs on stocks, 26 on stock indices (including the Nasdaq 100), and many more are available to Plus500’s clients.

Additionally, South Africans can use the renowned trading platform Plus500 to trade the Nasdaq 100 and its shares commission-free.

Best Volatility 75 / VIX 75 Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, HFM is the best Volatility 75 / VIX 75 Share CFD Broker in South Africa. Investors who trade indices can access HFM’s Volatility Index (VIX.F) or Volatility 75 futures contracts.

Additionally, HFM is a reputable broker that adheres to international standards. Additionally, HFM provides MetaTrader 4 and 5 for trading VIX 75.

Best NDD Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, Pepperstone is the best NDD Share CFD Broker in South Africa. Pepperstone is an STP (Straight Through Processing) broker that does not have a dealing desk. Its prices are compiled from the best liquidity providers around the world.

Best STP Share CFD Broker in South Africa

Overall, JustMarkets is the best STP Share CFD Broker in South Africa. JustMarkets offers competitively low commission-free trading options across markets, with marked-up spreads and no commission fees.

Furthermore, JustMarkets offers South Africans a choice between several STP multi-currency account types on powerful trading platforms.

Best Sign-up Bonus Broker in South Africa in South Africa

Overall, InstaForex is the best sign-up bonus broker in South Africa. InstaForex offers all newly registered South Africans a no-deposit bonus of $1,000. Furthermore, InstaForex supports a range of trading strategies, four flexible accounts, and top-notch trading software across devices.

Addendum/Disclosure: No matter how diligently we strive to maintain accuracy, the forex market is volatile and may change anytime, even if the information supplied is correct when going live.

Investor Warning: Foreign currency trading on margin is associated with an elevated risk and may not be appropriate for all investors. Before engaging in foreign currency or Contract for Difference (CFD) trading, you must evaluate your investing goals, expertise, appetite for risk, and willingness to be exposed to risk. In addition, you should not start investing capital you cannot afford to lose because you could lose part of your original investment.

In Conclusion

According to our research, to successfully navigate the landscape of JSE retirement stocks, one must thoroughly understand the local and global economies.  As one of the top twenty exchanges in the world, the JSE offers a variety of investment opportunities, but these opportunities carry inherent risks, particularly in the context of retirement planning.

We believe that the JSE’s potential remains robust, particularly considering its diverse industries, from mining to technology.  However, the unique economic and political challenges that South Africa faces, combined with global market uncertainties, mean that volatility is an ever-present factor.

Therefore, in our experience, it is essential to approach JSE retirement stocks with a balanced perspective, acknowledging the potential for growth while remaining acutely aware of the risks.

Diversification remains, as always, a pillar of prudent investment. By diversifying investments across various sectors and considering a mix of domestic and foreign stocks, one can mitigate some of the sector- and region-specific risks.

We advise a cautious and well-researched strategy in retirement planning, emphasizing long-term stability and consistent returns.  Therefore, reviewing one’s portfolio regularly, keeping abreast of local and international news, and, most importantly, consulting with financial experts can yield valuable insights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do dividends impact retirement investments on the JSE?

Dividends provide retirees with a consistent income stream that supplements other sources of retirement income. Stocks with a track record of consistent and high dividend yields can be advantageous for retirement portfolios.

Are there specific sectors on the JSE more suited for retirement investments?

While all sectors have potential, utilities, real estate, and consumer staples have traditionally been considered more stable for retirement investments. Individual stock performance within sectors, on the other hand, can vary.

What are the risks of investing in JSE stocks for retirement?

Market volatility, economic and political uncertainty in South Africa, and sector-specific challenges are all risks. Some of these risks can be mitigated by diversifying investments.

How does global market volatility impact JSE retirement stocks?

Price fluctuations in JSE stocks can be caused by global market volatility, particularly for companies that rely on exports or global supply chains. Major economic events can have an impact on investor sentiment and stock performance.

Is it advisable to diversify retirement investments outside of the JSE?

Diversification is an important investment principle. While the JSE provides numerous opportunities, diversifying investments across markets can help spread risk and capitalize on global growth opportunities.