Skip to main content

Our Legacy

The history of Workforce Holdings

From simple beginnings to a global presence, our story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose.

In 1972, Ronny Katz (CEO) founded Workforce Holdings as a small side business in Johannesburg. What started with the placement of 16 boilermakers quickly turned into pioneering one of South Africa’s first outsourcing businesses.

Within a few years, we expanded beyond Gauteng, opened our first Durban and Cape Town branches, and laid the foundations for what would become a national and later international group.

Built on trust and integrity

From standing on the back of a bakkie handing out wages, to investing in digital payroll systems that set new industry standards, Workforce has always put people first. Our unwavering commitment to paying our assignees on time and in full earned us the trust of workers and clients alike, trust that remains the cornerstone of our business today.

Growing through change

The 1990s brought challenges as labour broking came under scrutiny. Instead of retreating, we adapted. We diversified our services, creating Training Force, acquiring Fempower, and later establishing multiple clusters spanning Staffing & Outsourcing, Recruitment, Training & Consulting, Healthcare, and Financial Services. This cluster model made Workforce more resilient and positioned us as a leader in integrated human capital solutions.

A people-powered business

Workforce Holdings has always been more than systems and structures, it’s people who make the difference. Generations of employees, many with decades of service, embody the expertise, care, and tenacity that define us. From the earliest days of three employees in Johannesburg to more than 1 200 permanent staff and 25 000 assignees placed weekly, our story has always been about people uplifting people.

Expanding beyond borders

Today, Workforce Holdings spans four continents and 15 countries, with a growing footprint in Africa, South America, and Europe. With over 100 branches worldwide, we partner with clients across industries and geographies, delivering trusted, scalable solutions wherever they are needed.

Looking ahead

Our legacy is not just behind us, it lives in the choices we make today and the opportunities we create for tomorrow. With strong leadership, an experienced executive team, and a pipeline of future leaders, Workforce Holdings is built for sustainable success. We are committed to growing responsibly, shaping industries, and creating meaningful impact for decades to come.

One job. One skill. One life at a time.
Uplifting people. Growing business.
2026
Transitioned off the JSE AltX
2024
Acquired the Medicall group of companies
2022
50TH Celebration
2021
Achieved Level One B-BBEE
Aquisition of GetSavvi
2020
Established in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Sierre Leon, Ghana, Angola
Established business outside of Africa, in Chile
Acquisition of Opensource
2019
Acquisition of Chartall
2018
Acquisition of Dyna
Executive Committee Established
2017
Oxyon Human Capital Solutions was acquired
Workforce acquired KBC Holdings Proprietary Limited
Revenue exceeds R2,8 billion
2016
Commencement of Workforce Africa operations and branches were opened in Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana
Acquisition of Quyn group of companies
2015
Acquisition of Prisma
2014
DNA Wellness brand launched
Essential Employee Benefits established
Nursing Emergencies acquired
2013
Launch of Allmed Healthcare Professionals brand
2012
Revenue exceeds R1,5 billion
2008
Revenue exceeds R1 billion
2006
Babereki Employee Support Services established
2003
Training Force established
Workforce Healthcare established
1993
National footprint launched in Port Elizabeth
1992
National footprint launched in Durban
1972
Workforce was Established