In 2025, more South Africans are turning to side hustles to earn extra income, pay off debt, or save for big goals. Whether you are a student looking to make money between classes or an adult wanting to supplement your salary, there are legit side hustles in South Africa that you can start with little or no capital.
This guide covers the best side hustles in South Africa, both online and offline, with ideas that are proven to work.
Why Side Hustles Are Growing in South Africa
- Economic pressure: Inflation and rising living costs mean many households need more than one income stream.
- Digital opportunities: Online platforms have made it easy to sell skills, services, and products from anywhere.
- Flexibility: Most side hustles can be done part-time, after hours, or on weekends.
Best Side Hustles for Students in South Africa
1. Paid Online Surveys & App Testing
- Start-up cost: R0
- Earning potential: R500 – R2,000+ per month
Join paid survey and testing platforms like Toluna, SurveyNow, or UserTesting to get paid for sharing opinions and testing websites/apps.
Tip: Look for platforms paying in US dollars for higher exchange rates.
2. Social Media Management
- Start-up cost: Internet & smartphone
- Earning potential: R2,000 – R8,000+ per month
Small businesses need help managing Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. You can find clients through Upwork, Fiverr, or by networking in Facebook Business Groups.
3. Freelance Writing, Transcription & Design
- Start-up cost: Laptop & internet
- Earning potential: R1,000 – R10,000+ per month
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you to clients globally. For transcription work, try Rev or TranscribeMe.
4. Selling Preloved Items Online
- Start-up cost: Items you already own
- Earning potential: R500 – R5,000+ per month
Sell second-hand clothes, textbooks, or gadgets on Facebook Marketplace, Yaga, or Gumtree.
5. Tutoring & Academic Assistance
- Start-up cost: Your subject knowledge
- Earning potential: R100 – R300 per hour
Offer tutoring in Maths, Science, or languages through platforms like Teach Me 2 or Superprof.
Best Side Hustles for Adults in South Africa
1. E-Commerce & Dropshipping
- Start-up cost: R1,000 – R5,000+
- Earning potential: R5,000 – R50,000+ per month
Set up an online store using Shopify or sell on Takealot and Bidorbuy. Dropshipping suppliers like uAfrica make it easy to sell without keeping stock.
2. Freelance & Consulting Services
- Start-up cost: Skills you already have
- Earning potential: R3,000 – R50,000+ per month
Offer professional skills – accounting, photography, marketing, or web design – on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.
3. Delivery & Ride-Hailing
- Start-up cost: Car or bike
- Earning potential: R5,000 – R15,000+ per month
Sign up with Uber, Bolt, Mr D Food, or Checkers Sixty60.
4. Airbnb or Room Rentals
- Start-up cost: A spare room or property
- Earning potential: R2,000 – R20,000+ per month
List your property on Airbnb or Booking.com.
5. Catering, Baking & Home-Based Food Sales
- Start-up cost: Kitchen equipment & ingredients
- Earning potential: R3,000 – R15,000+ per month
Sell at local markets or online through WhatsApp Business and Facebook Groups.
Online Side Hustles in South Africa (For Anyone)
If you want to work entirely from home, these online side hustles in South Africa are great options:
- Blogging & affiliate marketing (Amazon Associates)
- Selling digital products (eBooks, templates) on Etsy or Gumroad
- YouTube content creation (YouTube Partner Program)
- Online coaching or training (Teachable)
- Print-on-demand merchandise (Printful)
How to Make Your Side Hustle a Success
- Start with what you know – Use your existing skills.
- Keep it legal – Register with SARS and declare extra income.
- Set clear goals – Decide if you are saving, paying debt, or building wealth.
- Use free marketing – Social media, community groups, and word of mouth.
- Reinvest profits – Grow your side hustle into a sustainable business.
Final Thoughts
The best side hustles in South Africa give you flexibility, extra income, and future growth potential. Students can focus on quick, low-cost online gigs, while adults can explore higher-earning services and property rentals. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and treat your side hustle like a real business.
