But I’ve since learned that’s not how it works. If you want to buy shares on JSE in South Africa, you need to go through a stockbroker. A stockbroker is a platform or a company that helps you buy and sell shares easily and safely.
My name is Thabiso, a South African forex trader since 2020, also started investing in stocks. In this article, I will give you all you need to know to start buying shares on the JSE.
What is JSE
JSE stands for Johannesburg Stock Exchange, a marketplace where South African-registered companies list their shares for the public to buy.
The process when a company gets listed on the JSE is called IPO (Initial Public Offering).
Here is the list of JSE Alternatives.
Country | Exchange Name | Exchange Code | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | United States | New York Stock Exchange | NYSE |
 | United Kingdom | London Stock Exchange | LSE |
 | Australia | Australian Securities Exchange | ASX |
 | Japan | Tokyo Stock Exchange | TSE |
In order to buy shares on the JSE, you must register with a stockbroker since you can’t buy shares directly from the JSE yourself. Then search for the company you want to buy shares in.
Here is a step-by-step guide to buying JSE shares in South Africa using EasyEquity.
Step 1: Create an Account With EasyEquity
EasyEquities is one of the best stockbrokers that offers JSE shares; they are easy to use and great for newbies. Here’s what to do:
- Visit the EasyEquities Website or App
- Click “Register” and fill in your details: name, email, ID number, and a password.
- Verify Your Account: You’ll need to submit some documents (like your ID and proof of address) to comply with South Africa’s FICA regulations. Don’t worry, it’s quick and secure.
- Once verified (usually within a day or two), you’re ready to invest!
Step 2: Deposit Money on EasyEquity
Now that your account is set up, it’s time to add some cash to start buying shares. There are, best banks for traders or investors that you can switch to if you are serious about investing.
- Log in to your EasyEquities account.
- Choose “Deposit Funds.”
- Transfer money from your bank account (EFT or card payments work).
I recommend using Stitch (FET) or Capitec Pay so that your funds will reflect instantly.
Time to become a shareholder! Here’s how to buy your first shares.
- Use the search bar to find a JSE-listed company you like (e.g., “Shoprite” or “Capitec”).
- Enter the amount of money you want to invest. (EasyEquities allows you to buy fractional shares, meaning you can invest with as little as R10)
- Confirm your purchase.
Congratulations 🎉 You now officially own shares in a South African company.
Stockbrokers Offering JSE Shares
While EasyEquities is the easiest for beginners, there are other that offers JSE stocks you can use, like Shayft, BrokStock, and SatrixNOW.
Brokers | Rating | Exchanges | Fees | Fractional Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ★ 4.9/5 | JSE, US Stocks, ETFs, Bundles, RA, TFSA | 0.25% | |
 | ★ 4.7/5 | JSE, US Stocks, Global ETFs | 0.40% | |
 | ★ 4.6/5 | JSE, US, UK, EU, Asia-Pacific Stocks | 0.10% | |
 | ★ 4.2/5 | JSE, Local & Global ETFs | 0.075% |
Investing in JSE stocks in South Africa is much easier than it seems. You don’t need to be rich or experienced. Check out our guide to investing in stocks for beginners if you want to learn more.