DNA EOR: Exporting South African Talent Without Exporting South Africans

What if South Africans could build international careers without having to leave South Africa?

That is the opportunity DNA EOR, founded by Anton van Heerden, is helping to create.

DNA EOR enables overseas companies to employ South Africans without first establishing their own local entity. DNA becomes the legal employer in South Africa, managing employment contracts, payroll, tax and labour compliance, while the overseas company manages the employee’s day-to-day work.

Today, more than 500 South Africans are employed by DNA on behalf of international businesses.

It means skills can travel while people stay here, gaining international experience, earning global income and continuing to live, spend and contribute in South Africa.

Anton’s journey also carries an important lesson for business owners navigating the rapid adoption of AI and automation.

Having spent much of his career in software, Anton believes strongly in technology. But he is equally clear about what it should not replace.

Technology should enable people, not remove the human relationships that build trust.

Automation can make businesses faster and more efficient. But judgement, accountability and meaningful customer relationships remain deeply human.

As Pavlo Phitidis points out in this Future50 feature, the better question is not simply, “Can we automate this?” It is: “What becomes better because we automate it, and what human value must remain?”

For DNA EOR, that combination of technology and human engagement could help thousands more South Africans access global opportunities without leaving home.

Think your business belongs in South Africa’s Future50? Nominate your business today on the East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM or Smile 90.4FM website.

And listen to the full DNA EOR Future50 feature while you’re there.