Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activities for South Africa

Code A covers primary production activities such as crop cultivation, livestock rearing, forestry operations, and capture or aquaculture of fish and other marine resources. It includes all activities involved in growing, harvesting and managing natural biological resources for food, fiber

Code B includes the extraction of mineral ores, coal, precious stones and other non-metallic resources, together with related support activities such as exploration, quarrying and primary processing of the extracted material.

The SIC code "C" designates the Manufacturing sector, encompassing all activities that transform raw materials or components into finished goods through physical, chemical or mechanical processes. It includes industries such as food production, textiles, chemicals, metalworking, machinery, electronics and other consumer and industrial products. This category groups together firms engaged in the full range of manufacturing operations, from primary processing to final assembly.

Code D comprises activities that generate, transmit and distribute electricity, produce and supply gas, generate steam, and provide air-conditioning services to residential, commercial and industrial users, covering all related installation, maintenance and distribution functions.

Code E covers companies engaged in providing potable water and related services such as collection, treatment and distribution of water, as well as the operation of sewage systems for collection, transport and treatment of wastewater. It also includes entities that manage solid-waste collection, disposal, recycling and treatment, and those performing environmental remediation activities to restore contaminated soil, water or other media.

Code F in South Africa's Standard Industrial Classification groups all construction activities, encompassing the building of residential and non-residential structures, civil engineering works such as roads and bridges, and related specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical installation and site preparation. It also includes renovation, demolition and maintenance services for existing buildings and infrastructure.

The G category groups activities that involve the wholesale and retail sale of a wide range of goods, together with the repair and servicing of motor vehicles and motorcycles. It includes firms that purchase goods for resale, retailers selling directly to consumers, and workshops that maintain, service or reconstruct cars and bikes.

The SIC code H groups businesses that provide transport services for passengers or goods and those that operate storage facilities. It includes road, rail, air and sea transport as well as warehousing, logistics and related handling activities.

Code I covers establishments that provide short-term lodging, such as hotels, guesthouses and boarding houses, as well as services that prepare and serve meals and drinks to the public, including restaurants, cafés, catering firms and mobile food vendors. The classification includes both full-service and limited-service operations that may offer combined accommodation and food services.

Section J covers activities that produce and distribute information and facilitate communication, including publishing, motion picture and sound recording, broadcasting, telecommunications, data processing, internet services, and information technology consulting and software development. It also includes activities such as library

Code K covers activities that provide financial intermediation, insurance, and related services. It includes banking, credit provision, investment management, brokerage, insurance underwriting, reinsurance, and pension fund administration, as well as auxiliary activities such as financial advice, risk assessment, and payment processing.

Code L comprises activities involving the acquisition, development, leasing, selling and management of land, buildings and other real property, including services such as real-estate brokerage, property valuation, and the operation of real-estate agencies. It covers both residential and commercial property markets and related support functions.

Code M in South Africa's Standard Industrial Classification groups establishments that provide professional, scientific and technical services, including legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, management consulting, research and development, advertising, and other specialised knowledge-based activities for clients.

Code N covers enterprises that deliver routine support functions to other organizations, including office administration, employment placement, security, cleaning, landscaping, facility management and equipment rental. These services are usually provided on a contract basis and do not involve the direct production of goods.

The code O groups activities of government bodies that provide public administration, national defence, and compulsory social security. It includes ministries, legislative and judicial services, armed forces, police, fire protection, and state-run pension or unemployment benefit schemes. All these functions are funded primarily through mandatory public contributions.

The code P in South Africa's Standard Industrial Classification denotes the education sector. It includes establishments providing formal instruction at all levels, from pre-primary to tertiary, as well as vocational training and adult education services.

Code Q groups establishments providing preventive and curative health services, including hospitals, medical and dental practices, and other health care facilities, together with organisations delivering social assistance, welfare, and community support services such as residential care, child and youth services, and support for the elderly or disabled.

The R category groups enterprises that create, present, or manage artistic, cultural and leisure activities. It includes performing and visual arts venues, museums, libraries, sports clubs, amusement parks, movie theaters, and other recreation services that provide entertainment, cultural enrichment, or fitness experiences to the public.

Other Service Activities (code S) comprise a diverse range of service-oriented enterprises that are not classified elsewhere, including personal and household services such as laundry, hairdressing, funeral and religious activities, as well as repair and maintenance services for equipment and vehicles, and miscellaneous support services to individuals and businesses.

Code T includes economic activities in which households function as employers, hiring workers for domestic or personal services, and the production and sale of undifferentiated goods and services such as casual labour, informal trade, and small-scale manufacturing that are not classified elsewhere.

Code U covers the activities of organisations and bodies that operate beyond national borders, such as foreign diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, multinational NGOs and other international entities that conduct administrative, development, humanitarian or cultural work in South Africa. Their functions are not classified under domestic industry categories but are recorded separately for statistical and regulatory purposes.