14 min read

How to Make Extra Money in South Africa

September 17, 2024

Looking for how to make extra money in South Africa? You’re in the right place.

In this post, we share a list of opportunities that you can explore to start earning more in South Africa. And we’re only recommending the opportunities with the highest chance of success.

Let’s dive into it.

How to Make Extra Money in South Africa

There are several ways on how to make extra money in South Africa. So we would list the best ones. These are proven, easy to do, and don’t cost much to get started.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the most flexible ways to earn extra income. With the growth of digital platforms, South Africans can offer their skills globally. Here are some popular freelancing avenues:

a. Writing and content creation

Many businesses and websites require high-quality content. If you have strong writing skills, you can provide services in content creation, ghostwriting, or editing. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer global opportunities, while local platforms like WritersHub cater to South African clients.

b. Graphic design and video editing

Graphic designers and video editors are in high demand for marketing campaigns, online content, and branding. If you possess these skills, you can offer services on freelance platforms or advertise in local social media groups.

c. Programming and web development

With the growing need for websites and applications, web development and programming skills are highly marketable. Even if you lack advanced skills, there are numerous online courses where you can learn programming languages and start taking on small projects.

2. Online tutoring

Education is a growing sector, and if you’re knowledgeable in subjects like mathematics, science, or languages, you can tutor students online. South Africa has platforms such as Teach Me 2 that connect tutors with learners. Alternatively, global platforms like Preply allow you to teach subjects or languages to students worldwide.

Additionally, tutoring can extend to skills like music, coding, and even cooking. Video-based lessons are becoming more popular, and platforms such as YouTube or Udemy allow you to monetize these tutorials.

3. Investing in the stock market

Investing is a longer-term way to grow your wealth, but it can provide a solid return if done wisely. In South Africa, platforms like EasyEquities allow beginners to invest in stocks with relatively low starting capital.

You can invest in individual companies or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide diversification and are less risky for beginner investors. Always ensure to research the stocks or funds you’re interested in, and consider consulting with a financial advisor before committing large sums of money.

4. Real estate investment

Investing in real estate can provide an excellent source of passive income. South Africa offers various real estate investment options that don’t require you to purchase a property outright:

a. Buy-to-rent properties

Purchasing a property to rent out can generate consistent income, particularly in student areas or urban centers with high rental demand. However, initial capital is required, and you’ll need to manage maintenance and tenant issues.

b. Airbnb hosting

If you have a spare room or property, listing it on Airbnb is a fantastic way to make extra income, especially in tourist-friendly locations like Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban. Airbnb hosts in South Africa have reported significant returns, especially during peak tourist seasons.

c. Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

If you lack the capital to purchase real estate, you can still invest in property through REITs, which allow you to buy shares in real estate portfolios that earn income from property rents. Platforms like Satrix offer REIT investment options.

5. Dropshipping

E-commerce is booming globally, and dropshipping is one way to make money without holding any inventory. In dropshipping, you sell products online, but your supplier ships them directly to the customer. You only purchase the product after you’ve made a sale, minimizing risk and overhead costs.

South Africans can use platforms like Shopify to set up an online store, and source products through suppliers like Oberlo or local suppliers to reduce shipping costs and time.

6. Start a side business

South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is thriving, and starting a small business can be highly rewarding. Here are a few small business ideas that require low start-up capital:

a. Food delivery service

The growing demand for convenience has led to the rise of food delivery services. If you have a car or motorbike, you can partner with platforms like Uber Eats to make deliveries. Alternatively, you can create your own local food delivery service.

b. Car wash

Starting a mobile car wash service is a low-cost, high-demand business that requires minimal equipment. You can begin by offering services to friends and neighbors and scale up as your reputation grows.

c. Landscaping and gardening services

With the high demand for well-maintained gardens and outdoor spaces, starting a gardening or landscaping business can be profitable. This business can be as simple as offering basic lawn care services or as elaborate as designing entire landscapes for homes and businesses.

7. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is another way to generate passive income by promoting products or services. When someone purchases through your referral link, you earn a commission. To be successful in affiliate marketing, you’ll need a blog, social media platform, or YouTube channel with an audience.

In South Africa, platforms like Takealot and Loot have affiliate programs that pay commissions for product referrals.

8. Online surveys and microtasks

While not the most lucrative option, completing online surveys or microtasks can provide extra cash. Platforms allow you to earn money by participating in market research. For microtasks such as data entry or testing websites, platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker are viable options.

9. Sell handmade products

If you’re crafty, selling handmade products can be a great way to generate extra income. South Africa has platforms that allow local artisans to sell their creations, whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or artwork.

Alternatively, you can sell products through global platforms like Etsy, which gives you access to an international customer base. Many South African sellers have found success selling products such as traditional crafts, handmade skincare products, and bespoke fashion items.

10. Rent out your assets

If you own items that are not in constant use, renting them out can be an excellent way to generate extra cash. For example:

a. Rent out your car

Platforms like Rent My Ride allow you to rent out your vehicle to individuals when you’re not using it. This can be particularly profitable if you own a car but don’t drive it every day.

b. Rent out equipment

If you own specialized tools, equipment, or even party supplies, renting them out can provide a steady income stream. Platforms like GearShare connect people with those looking to rent items such as cameras, sound equipment, or power tools.

11. Pet Sitting or dog walking

For animal lovers, pet sitting or dog walking is a fun and rewarding way to make extra money. In urban areas, many pet owners require help with walking their dogs or caring for their pets while they’re at work or traveling.

You can start by offering services to friends and family, then expand your client base through word-of-mouth or local community groups. Platforms like HouseSitters also connect pet sitters with clients.

12. Create and sell online courses

If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, creating an online course is a great way to generate passive income.

Platforms like Udemy or Teachable allow you to create and sell courses to a global audience. South African platforms like Uplift are also growing in popularity, offering opportunities for local experts to share their knowledge.

Popular topics include business skills, technology, personal development, and hobbies such as photography or cooking.

13. Deliver groceries

With the rise of grocery delivery services, you can earn extra money by delivering groceries to people in your area. Platforms like OneCart and Checkers Sixty60 allow individuals to sign up as delivery drivers. This job offers flexibility, as you can choose to work on your schedule.

14. Create and sell digital products

Digital products such as eBooks, stock photos, and printables can generate passive income. Once you’ve created the product, you can sell it online repeatedly without the need for physical inventory. Platforms like Gumroad or Etsy can help you distribute digital products.

Popular digital products include

Printable planners
Digital art
Photography presets
Ebooks on niche topics

15. Ridesharing and transportation services

If you own a car, you can earn extra income by offering ridesharing services. Platforms like Uber and Bolt allow you to sign up as a driver and earn money by transporting passengers in your city.

a. Ridesharing

Ridesharing is particularly profitable in larger cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where the demand for transportation is high. You can drive on your own schedule, making this a flexible side hustle.

b. Private chauffeur services

For those who prefer a more exclusive clientele, offering private chauffeur services for special events, airport transfers, or corporate clients can be a more premium option. You can market yourself as a reliable, discreet driver for high-end customers, offering a personalized service.

16. Social media management

If you’re skilled in social media, many businesses and individuals in South Africa are looking for help to manage their social media presence. Small businesses, influencers, and even non-profits often outsource this work to freelancers who can handle content creation, posting, and engagement with followers.

By offering services as a social media manager, you can help businesses build their online brands, increase followers, and drive customer engagement. Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed often have listings for social media management jobs, or you can pitch your services directly to local businesses.

17. Translation services

With South Africa being a multilingual country, offering translation services is a lucrative way to make extra money. If you’re fluent in more than one language, you can provide translation services for documents, websites, or even for media content like videos and articles.

There’s a demand for translating between local languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, as well as for international languages like French, Portuguese, and Spanish. You can find clients on freelancing platforms or through direct marketing to businesses that need bilingual or multilingual communications.

18. Participating in focus groups

Focus groups are a form of market research where participants provide feedback on products, services, or concepts. Companies are often willing to pay for your opinion, and participating in focus groups can provide a decent side income.

In South Africa, there are companies like Focus Groups South Africa that connect businesses with participants. You may be asked to participate in online surveys, in-person discussions, or even product trials.

19. Sell second-hand goods

South Africa has a growing market for second-hand goods, particularly in categories like electronics, clothing, and furniture. You can start by decluttering your home and selling items you no longer need on platforms like:

Once you’ve sold your unused items, you can take this a step further by sourcing second-hand goods from friends, family, or even thrift stores and reselling them for a profit.

a. Thrift fashion

Second-hand clothing, particularly vintage and designer items, is popular among South African consumers. If you have an eye for fashion, you can curate a collection and sell them online through Instagram or a dedicated website.

b. Refurbish and resell

Refurbishing electronics or furniture can also be a profitable side hustle. Buying damaged items, repairing them, and then reselling them for a profit can lead to steady income.

20. Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely. With the rise of remote work, many small businesses are hiring VAs to help with tasks such as email management, appointment scheduling, customer service, and data entry.

Platforms like Zirtual and Belay help match VAs with clients, but you can also offer your services directly to local businesses or entrepreneurs. The flexibility of being a VA allows you to work from anywhere and set your hours, making it an ideal side hustle.

21. Teaching English online

If you’re a native English speaker, you can earn money by teaching English to non-native speakers online. Platforms like VIPKid and iTalki allow South Africans to teach English to students from around the world.

Many platforms don’t require formal teaching qualifications, though having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate can improve your chances of securing more students and higher pay rates.

22. Fitness training or coaching

If you’re passionate about health and fitness, you can offer personal training, group fitness classes, or coaching services. With more people focusing on their health, there’s a growing demand for personal trainers and fitness coaches in South Africa.

You can start by offering outdoor or home-based sessions and gradually grow your client base. Social media is a great platform to promote your services and share fitness tips or success stories. Platforms like Trainerize also allow you to manage your clients, track their progress, and offer virtual training sessions.

23. Start a YouTube channel

Starting a YouTube channel can be a long-term way to generate extra income, especially if you can grow a substantial following. YouTube content creators earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

To succeed on YouTube, it’s essential to choose a niche that you’re passionate about, such as travel, fashion, tech reviews, or lifestyle. Focus on producing high-quality, consistent content, and actively engage with your audience to grow your channel.

24. Network marketing

Network marketing, or multi-level marketing (MLM), involves selling products and recruiting others to join your sales team. Companies like Herbalife and Avon operate in South Africa and allow individuals to earn money through product sales and recruiting new members.

Before joining an MLM, it’s important to research the company, its products, and compensation structure. Some individuals have had great success with network marketing, but it requires significant effort and the ability to build a strong network of customers and sales representatives.

25. Start a podcast

Podcasting has grown in popularity in South Africa, and it’s a great way to share your expertise, interests, or stories while earning extra income. Once you grow your listener base, you can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, advertisements, and crowdfunding.

Podcasts can cover a wide range of topics, from personal finance and entrepreneurship to entertainment and current events. South African platforms like Podcast Party provide a hub for local podcasts, giving you the opportunity to connect with a local audience.

26. Invest in cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency investments have gained momentum globally, and South Africans are increasingly exploring this market. Investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana can be profitable if you understand the risks involved.

Platforms like Luno allow South Africans to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. However, this form of investment is highly volatile, so it’s crucial to do thorough research and only invest what you can afford to lose.

Conclusion

The ways to make extra money in South Africa are as diverse as the people in the country. Whether you want to leverage your skills in freelancing, tap into investment opportunities, or start a side business, there are countless options available.

To maximize your chances of success, choose a method that aligns with your interests, skills, and time availability. Diversifying your income streams by trying out a few of these methods simultaneously can also lead to greater financial stability.

Remember, making extra money takes time and effort, but with the right approach and persistence, you can build a sustainable income and improve your financial future.

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