You buy shares through a stockbroker, not from the company. The broker sends your order to the JSE. The market is open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays. For one company, use a broker that sells individual shares. For a basket of companies, an ETF is usually the better first buy.
EasyEquities is the default if you are starting with a small amount. Your own bank’s share-trading platform is the other sensible choice, if you already bank there and you can live with their minimum. SatrixNOW does not sell individual shares. It sells Satrix ETFs only.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Always do your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Where the order actually goes
A listed share trades on the JSE. You buy it from another investor, through your broker. You do not phone Sasol, or Anglo American, and ask to buy a share. A rights offer or a new listing is still taken up through the broker. An employee share scheme is a separate arrangement your employer runs. It is not how you buy a JSE share on a Tuesday.
Which platform
Fees and minimums change. Check the platform before you open the account. These are the figures already used on this site, not a live quote.
| Platform | Individual JSE shares | Minimum | Monthly fee | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EasyEquities | Yes, plus ETFs, ETNs, and US shares | About R5 | R0 to R25 | You want a first share, or a fraction of an expensive one |
| FNB Securities | Yes | About R100 | R0 for FNB clients | You already bank with FNB |
| Standard Bank Online Share Trading | Yes | About R1,000 | R0 | You already bank with Standard Bank |
| SatrixNOW | No. Satrix ETFs only | R500 a month | R0 | You want a Satrix ETF debit order, not a single company |
Absa and Nedbank also have share-trading platforms. Use one if you already bank there. Compare the brokerage before you move an account across just to save a login.
For shares outside the JSE, EasyEquities covers the US names most people want. A wider offshore account, such as Interactive Brokers, reaches more markets and is more complicated to run. Offshore buys use your foreign investment allowance. Do not guess the allowance. Check the Reserve Bank’s current limit before you send money out.
How to place the first order
- Open the account and complete FICA. You need your ID and proof of address dated within the last three months.
- Fund it by EFT from your bank. A debit order is the better habit once the account exists.
- Search the company name or the JSE code. Sasol is SOL. Anglo American is AGL.
- Place the order while the JSE is open. A market order fills at the current price. On EasyEquities you can buy a fraction, so you do not need the price of a whole share.
The steps for an ETF, including a TFSA, are in how to buy ETFs in South Africa.
One company, or a basket
This page is where to buy, not which company to buy. A single share can go to zero. A first purchase for most people is a Top 40 ETF, not one company. The JSE Top 40 guide covers that basket.
If the money is for the long term, put it in a tax-free savings account first. The limits used on this site are R36,000 a year and R500,000 over your lifetime. Confirm the current limits. Do not put emergency money in shares. That sits in a money market fund, which is the setup in how to set up an emergency fund.
This is not financial advice. Platform fees, minimums, and tax-free limits change. Check them on the day you open the account.