How to Buy Telkom Shares in South Africa
Complete investment guide for JSE shares in 2025
Last updated: December 2025
Quick Facts
- Telkom trades on the JSE as TKG
- Current price around R53 per share (December 2025)
- You need a stockbroker to buy shares
- Minimum investment can be as low as R10
- Dividends are paid to shareholders
Table of Contents
What Are Telkom Shares?
Telkom is a big telecommunications company in South Africa. They provide phone services, internet, and business solutions. The company is listed on the JSE.
When you buy Telkom shares, you own a small piece of the company. You become a part-owner. This is called being a shareholder.
Understanding Telkom Stock (TKG)
Telkom shares trade under the symbol “TKG” on the JSE. The JSE is the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This is where companies are bought and sold in South Africa.
As of December 2025, one Telkom share costs about R53. The price goes up and down every day. This depends on how well the company is doing.
What Does Telkom Do?
Telkom provides many services:
- Mobile phone services
- Fixed-line telephone services
- Internet and broadband
- Fibre optic networks
- Business IT solutions
- Cloud computing services
The company has been around since 1991. It was once owned by the government. Now it is a public company on the JSE.
â Why People Buy Telkom Shares
People invest in Telkom shares for different reasons. Here are the main ones:
1. Dividends (Income)
Telkom pays dividends to shareholders. A dividend is money the company shares with owners. If you own shares, you get paid cash regularly.
In 2025, Telkom’s dividend yield is around 4.4%. This means for every R1,000 you invest, you could get R44 per year. This is paid before tax.
2. Capital Growth
Share prices can go up over time. If Telkom does well, the share price may increase. You can sell your shares for more than you paid.
In 2025, Telkom shares have shown growth. The 52-week range is R25.70 to R60.59. This shows the price moves a lot.
3. Supporting Local Companies
Some investors want to support South African businesses. Buying Telkom shares helps the company grow. This creates jobs and helps the economy.
Risks You Should Know
Investing in shares has risks. You can lose money. The share price can go down. Telkom faces competition from other companies like Vodacom and MTN.
Never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Only invest money you can keep invested for years.
How to Buy Telkom Shares
You cannot buy shares directly from the JSE. You must use a stockbroker. A stockbroker is a company that buys and sells shares for you.
Step 1: Choose a Stockbroker
Pick a stockbroker that is registered with the FSCA. The FSCA is the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. They protect investors in South Africa.
Popular stockbrokers for beginners include:
- EasyEquities (cheapest for small investments)
- Standard Bank Online Share Trading
- ABSA Stockbrokers
- FNB Share Investing
- Nedbank Private Wealth
Step 2: Open an Account
Opening an account is free with most brokers. You can do this online. It takes about 10-15 minutes.
The broker will ask for:
- Your ID document or passport
- Proof of address (less than 3 months old)
- Bank account details
- Email address and phone number
The broker will verify your documents. This can take 1-3 business days. Once approved, you can start investing.
Step 3: Deposit Money
Add money to your brokerage account. Most brokers accept:
- Bank transfers (EFT) – Usually free
- Instant EFT – Small fee (about 1%)
- Debit cards – Small fee (about 2%)
With EasyEquities, you can start with as little as R10. Other brokers may need R1,000 or more to start.
Step 4: Search for Telkom (TKG)
Once you have money in your account, search for “Telkom” or “TKG”. The broker’s platform will show you the current share price.
You will see information like:
- Current price per share
- How the price changed today
- 52-week high and low prices
- Dividend information
Step 5: Buy Your Shares
Decide how much money you want to invest. Click “Buy” or “Invest”. Enter the amount in Rands.
The platform will show you:
- How many shares you will get
- The total cost
- Brokerage fees
- Other charges (tax, etc.)
Confirm the purchase. Your shares will appear in your account. This usually takes 3-5 business days to complete.
đ Requirements and Documents Needed
To invest in Telkom shares, you need certain documents. This is because of FICA laws. FICA helps prevent money laundering.
Identity Documents
South African Citizens need:
- Copy of your ID book or smart card
- Both sides must be clearly visible
- ID must be valid (not expired)
Foreign Nationals need:
- Copy of your passport (photo page)
- Valid visa or permit
- Proof of South African address
Proof of Address
You need proof of where you live. The document must be less than 3 months old. Accepted documents include:
- Municipal rates and taxes statement
- Bank statement (showing your address)
- Utility bill (water, electricity)
- Telephone or internet bill
- Lease agreement (if renting)
If you live with family, you may need an affidavit. Ask your broker what they accept.
Bank Account Details
You need a South African bank account. This is where your money comes from and goes to. The account must be in your name.
You will need:
- Your bank name
- Account number
- Branch code
- Account type (cheque or savings)
Age Requirements
You must be 18 years or older to invest. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open an account for you.
â ī¸ Costs and Fees
Buying shares costs money. You pay several fees. It is important to understand all costs before you invest.
1. Brokerage Fees
This is the main fee you pay. The broker charges this for buying or selling shares. Different brokers charge different amounts.
| Broker | Brokerage Fee | Minimum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| EasyEquities | 0.25% | R0.01 (1 cent) |
| Standard Bank | 0.4% | R120 |
| ABSA | 0.4% | R120 |
| FNB | 0.4% | R120 |
| Nedbank | 0.4% | R70 |
Example: You buy R1,000 of Telkom shares with EasyEquities. The brokerage fee is 0.25%. You pay R2.50 in fees.
With Standard Bank, the fee is 0.4%, which is R4. But they charge a minimum of R120. So you would pay R120 for a R1,000 trade.
2. Securities Transfer Tax (STT)
This is a government tax. You pay 0.25% of the purchase amount. SARS (South African Revenue Service) collects this tax.
Example: You buy R1,000 of shares. STT is R2.50.
3. STRATE Fees
STRATE is the electronic settlement system. They charge 0.005787% of your transaction. The minimum is R10.19 and maximum is R73.49.
For small investments, you usually pay the minimum R10.19.
4. Investor Protection Levy
This is a small fee of 0.0002%. It goes towards protecting investors. For a R1,000 investment, this is only 0.2 cents.
5. Monthly Platform Fees
Some brokers charge monthly fees. These range from R0 to R75 per month.
- EasyEquities: R25/month (waived if you are active)
- Standard Bank: R75/month (waived for Private Banking)
- ABSA: R75/month (waived for Platinum clients)
- FNB: Similar to other banks
Investment: R1,000 in Telkom shares (EasyEquities)
âĸ Brokerage: R2.50
âĸ STT: R2.50
âĸ STRATE: R10.19
âĸ Investor Levy: ~R0.02
Total fees: About R15.21
You get R984.79 worth of shares.
Fees When You Sell
You pay similar fees when you sell shares. But there is no STT on selling. You only pay brokerage, STRATE fees, and the investor levy.
Best Platforms for Beginners
If you are new to investing, some platforms are easier than others. Here are the best options for 2025:
1. EasyEquities (Best for Beginners)
Why it is good:
- Start with as little as R10
- Buy fractional shares (pieces of shares)
- Very low fees (0.25% brokerage)
- Easy-to-use app and website
- Educational resources included
- No minimum investment required
Fees:
- Brokerage: 0.25% (minimum 1 cent)
- Monthly Thrive Fee: R25
- Fee waived if: Under 21, over 65, or Level 3 Thrive
How to reach Level 3 Thrive: Deposit more than you withdraw each month. This gives you 3 levels. Or complete the monthly EasyEquities Academy lesson.
Website: www.easyequities.co.za
Regulated by: FSCA (FSP 22588)
2. Bank Brokers
Most big banks offer share trading. These are good if you want everything in one place.
Standard Bank Online Share Trading:
- Good for existing Standard Bank clients
- Fees: 0.4% brokerage, R120 minimum
- Monthly fee: R75 (waived for Private Banking)
- Website: securities.standardbank.co.za
FNB Share Investing:
- Integrated with FNB banking
- Fees: Similar to Standard Bank
- Good mobile app
- Website: www.fnb.co.za/share-investing
ABSA Stockbrokers:
- Suitable for ABSA account holders
- Access to local and international shares
- Fees: 0.4% brokerage, R120 minimum
How to Verify a Broker
Before you open an account, check the broker is legitimate:
- Look for their FSP number (Financial Services Provider)
- Check on the FSCA website: www.fsca.co.za
- Call FSCA toll-free: 0800 110 443
- Make sure the company name matches
Do not use a broker that is not registered with the FSCA. This is illegal and dangerous.
đŧ Tax on Shares
You must pay tax on money you make from shares. SARS (South African Revenue Service) collects this tax. There are two types of tax.
1. Dividends Tax
When Telkom pays dividends, you pay 20% tax. This is called Dividends Withholding Tax. The company takes this tax before they pay you.
Example:
- Telkom declares R100 dividend
- Tax is R20 (20%)
- You receive R80 in your account
You do not need to do anything. The tax is automatic. It happens when dividends are paid.
2. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
When you sell shares for a profit, you pay Capital Gains Tax. This only applies when you make a profit.
How CGT works:
- You can make R40,000 profit per year tax-free
- Above R40,000, you pay tax on 40% of the profit
- The maximum CGT rate is 18%
Example:
- You buy Telkom shares for R10,000
- You sell them for R50,000
- Your profit is R40,000
- This is under the R40,000 limit
- You pay NO capital gains tax
If profit is R60,000:
- First R40,000 is tax-free
- Remaining R20,000 is taxable
- You pay tax on 40% = R8,000
- If your tax rate is 30%, you pay R2,400
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
You can invest in a TFSA. This lets you invest without paying tax on profits or dividends.
TFSA Limits for 2025:
- R36,000 per year maximum
- R500,000 lifetime maximum
- No tax on any growth
- No tax on dividends
EasyEquities and most brokers offer TFSA accounts. This is good for long-term savings.
Reporting Tax to SARS
You must declare capital gains on your tax return. Your broker will give you a statement. This shows all your trades and profits.
Keep all records of:
- When you bought shares
- How much you paid
- When you sold shares
- How much you received
- All fees and costs
đ¨ Scams to Avoid – Very Important
Scams are everywhere in South Africa. The FSCA warns about new scams every week. Criminals steal millions of Rands from investors.
Here are the most common scams in 2025:
1. Telegram and WhatsApp Investment Groups
Scammers create fake investment groups. They pretend to be from real companies. They promise huge returns.
How the scam works:
- Someone adds you to a WhatsApp or Telegram group
- They claim to be from a real investment company
- They show fake screenshots of profits
- They promise to “double your money in days”
- They ask you to send money via Bitcoin or EFT
- Once you pay, they disappear
Recent examples reported by FSCA:
- Fake Sanlam groups
- Fake Allan Gray representatives
- Fake Denker Capital on Telegram
- Fake SpaceX Investment groups
- Fake Capitec investment schemes
2. Impersonation Scams
Criminals pretend to be from real companies. They use stolen logos and photos. They even use real people’s names.
Warning signs:
- Contact comes through social media
- Email address looks slightly wrong
- Phone number is not on official website
- They pressure you to act fast
- They ask for payment upfront
3. Fake Investment Platforms
Scammers create fake websites. They look professional. But they are not real. They steal your money and identity documents.
How to spot fake platforms:
- No FSP number displayed
- No physical address
- Website is new (check domain age)
- Promises that sound too good
- No contact phone number
- Poor English or spelling mistakes
4. Guaranteed Returns Scams
No investment can guarantee profits. Anyone who promises “guaranteed returns” is lying. This is against the law.
Common promises from scammers:
- “Double your money in 7 days”
- “100% guaranteed returns”
- “Risk-free investment”
- “Make R10,000 per day from home”
- “Secret investment strategy”
5. Crypto and Bitcoin Scams
Scammers ask for payment in Bitcoin. This is because Bitcoin cannot be traced. Once you send it, you cannot get it back.
Real stockbrokers NEVER ask for Bitcoin payment. They use bank accounts. These are traceable and regulated.
Red Flags – When to Walk Away
Walk away immediately if you see these signs:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Upfront payment required | SCAM – You never pay to invest |
| No FSP number | ILLEGAL – Must be registered |
| Contact via Telegram/WhatsApp | SCAM – Real companies don’t do this |
| Pressure to decide now | SCAM – Take time to check |
| Request for Bitcoin payment | SCAM – Untraceable payments |
| Guaranteed returns promised | SCAM – No investment is guaranteed |
How to Protect Yourself
Always verify before you invest:
- Check the FSCA register: www.fsca.co.za
- Call FSCA toll-free: 0800 110 443
- Look up the company’s FSP number
- Visit their physical office if possible
- Google search for scam warnings
- Ask friends or family for advice
Never:
- Give your bank details to strangers
- Share your ID number online
- Send money before you verify
- Click links in suspicious messages
- Download apps from unknown sources
- Share your OTP or PIN
FSCA Toll-Free: 0800 110 443
FSCA Website: www.fsca.co.za
SABRIC (Banking scams): www.sabric.co.za
Police: 10111
Reporting helps protect others. Do not be embarrassed. Many people fall for scams.
Understanding Share Price Movements
The Telkom share price changes every day. Sometimes it goes up. Sometimes it goes down. This is normal.
What Affects the Share Price?
- Company results (profits or losses)
- New contracts or deals
- Changes in management
- Competition from other companies
- South African economy
- Global economic news
- Investor sentiment
Recent Telkom Performance (2025)
In 2025, Telkom shares have shown volatility. The 52-week range is R25.70 to R60.59. This means the price has moved significantly.
Telkom faces challenges from competitors. Mobile operators like Vodacom and MTN are strong. Fibre internet is also very competitive.
However, Telkom is working on new strategies. They are expanding fibre networks. They are improving mobile services. They focus on business customers.
When to Buy or Sell
This is hard to know. Even experts get it wrong. For beginners, follow these tips:
- Invest for the long term (5+ years)
- Do not try to time the market
- Invest regularly (monthly is good)
- Do not panic when prices drop
- Do not get greedy when prices rise
- Read company results and news
â Alternatives to Buying Individual Shares
Buying single company shares is risky. If Telkom does badly, you lose money. Many experts recommend spreading your risk.
1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
An ETF is like a basket of shares. One ETF can hold 40 or more companies. This spreads your risk.
Popular South African ETFs:
- Satrix 40 (STX40) – Top 40 JSE companies
- Satrix SWIX 40 – Similar to Top 40
- CoreShares Top 50 – Top 50 companies
- Satrix RESI – Property ETF
ETFs usually have lower risk. They are good for beginners. Fees are also low (around 0.3% per year).
2. Unit Trusts
A unit trust is managed by professionals. They pick the shares for you. You pay a management fee.
Management fees are higher than ETFs. Usually 1-2% per year. But you get professional management.
3. Retirement Annuities (RAs)
An RA is for retirement savings. You get tax benefits. Your money grows without tax. You can invest in shares through an RA.
However, you cannot access the money until retirement. This is around age 55 or older.
4. Diversified Portfolios
Some platforms offer ready-made portfolios. They mix shares, bonds, and cash. This balances risk and growth.
EasyEquities offers “Bundles”. These are managed portfolios. You can choose based on your risk level.
Getting Help and Support
Investing can be confusing. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Here are some resources:
Financial Advisors
A financial advisor can help you plan. They must be registered with the FSCA. They charge fees for advice.
Ask your broker if they provide advice. Many banks offer free advice to certain clients.
Educational Resources
- JSE website: www.jse.co.za/learn-how-to-invest
- EasyEquities Academy (free courses)
- Moneyweb: www.moneyweb.co.za
- FSCA Consumer Education: www.fsca.co.za
Important Contact Numbers
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
| FSCA (Regulator) | 0800 110 443 |
| JSE Investor Services | 0800 8000 10 |
| SABRIC (Banking scams) | www.sabric.co.za |
| EasyEquities Support | support.easyequities.co.za |
| SARS (Tax queries) | 0800 00 7277 |
Our Final Recommendations
Investing in Telkom shares can be a good way to build wealth. But it comes with risks. Here is our advice for South African investors in 2025:
For Beginners:
- Start with EasyEquities – low fees and easy to use
- Begin with small amounts – even R100 is fine
- Consider ETFs instead of single shares – lower risk
- Invest regularly – monthly is good
- Learn before you invest – use free resources
For Everyone:
- Only use FSCA-registered brokers
- Never invest money you cannot afford to lose
- Avoid scams – verify everything
- Think long-term – at least 5 years
- Understand the tax implications
- Keep all records for SARS
About Telkom Specifically:
- Telkom operates in a competitive market
- The share price is volatile (moves a lot)
- Dividends are paid but not guaranteed
- Company faces strong competition
- Consider spreading risk with other investments
Remember: No investment is guaranteed. Past performance does not predict future results. Always do your own research. Speak to a financial advisor if you need help.
The JSE offers many opportunities. Take your time. Learn the basics. Start small. And always protect yourself from scams.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2025. Financial regulations, fees, share prices, and requirements may change. Telkom’s share price is subject to market movements. Past performance is not an indicator of future results. Always verify current information with official sources before making investment decisions. This is not financial advice.
For complaints or disputes about financial services, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za. To check if a company is registered, visit www.fsca.co.za/fais. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose.