Retirement does not need to mean stepping away from meaningful work. For many South Africans, part-time income in later life provides financial breathing room, social connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you want a couple of flexible hours a week or a structured two to three days on site, there are many options that respect your time and leverage the experience you have earned over decades.
This guide sets out the best part-time jobs for retirees in South Africa, how to choose the right fit, what to expect day-to-day, and the practicalities you should consider around compliance, taxes, and benefits. You will also find a simple decision framework and a “getting started” checklist to move from intention to action.
How to choose the right part-time job
Before looking at roles, take an hour to clarify four things:
- Your “why”
Do you want extra income, a new social circle, or a way to share skills? Your reason will steer you towards particular roles. For example, if your goal is connection and gentle activity, public-facing roles tend to suit. If your goal is income, specialist consulting or tutoring may pay more per hour. - Availability and energy
Be honest about how many hours you would like to work and when. Some roles happen early mornings (school runs, exam invigilation), evenings (tutoring), or weekends (tour guiding, retail). - Mobility and location
If you prefer to avoid driving in peak traffic, consider remote or hyper-local options. If you enjoy being out and about, roles that involve light travel can be energising. - Skills and certifications
Your current qualifications and experience are valuable. Some roles require simple add-ons such as a short course, police clearance, or a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). Identify any gaps early.
Quick decision guide
- Enjoy teaching or mentoring? Try tutoring, coaching, or exam invigilation.
- Decades of industry expertise? Consulting, board advisory, or part-time lecturing.
- Great with numbers and detail? Bookkeeping, tax season support, or property management administration.
- Love people and being active? Museum guiding, tourism, hospitality hosting, or retail brand ambassador.
- Prefer home-based work? Editing, translation, customer support, research, or online shop management.
- Good with hands? Handyman services, light gardening, crafts, or bicycle repairs.
- Like driving? School shuttle, part-day deliveries, or tour transfers (subject to licensing).
25 of the best part-time jobs for retirees in South Africa
1) Private tutoring and academic support
Leverage subject knowledge from school or university days. Demand is steady for Mathematics, Accounting, Physical Sciences, English, and home languages. Work afternoons or evenings, online or in person. Many tutors also support study skills, time management, and exam technique.
Why it suits retirees: Flexible hours; rewarding impact.
Nice to have: Recent syllabus familiarity and a short tutoring course.
2) Literacy and numeracy volunteering with stipends
Community organisations and NGOs often provide stipends for part-time literacy programmes at schools or libraries. This blends purpose with modest income.
Why it suits retirees: Purpose-driven, local, structured hours.
Nice to have: Police clearance; basic child safeguarding training.
3) Short-term consulting and mentorship
If you have specialist expertise (finance, HR, operations, engineering, healthcare, law, IT, procurement), consulting is an excellent high-leverage option. Projects are typically scoped in days or weeks and can be delivered remotely with occasional site visits.
Why it suits retirees: High hourly rates; autonomy.
Nice to have: Clear service menu and simple consulting agreement template.
4) Board advisory and governance support
SMMEs and NPOs seek independent advisors for quarterly board meetings, risk oversight, and governance documentation. The time commitment is predictable and the work is strategic.
Why it suits retirees: Impact at leadership level; few days per quarter.
Nice to have: Prior executive experience; governance literacy.
5) Bookkeeping and tax season support
Small businesses value part-time assistance with reconciliations, VAT prep, payroll, and year-end packs. You can work from home with scheduled handovers.
Why it suits retirees: Steady, detail-oriented tasks; repeat clients.
Nice to have: Up-to-date knowledge of accounting software.
6) Office administration and receptionist relief
Many practices (medical rooms, law firms, car dealerships) need half-day receptionists or holiday cover. Duties include diary management, client welcoming, basic invoicing, and calls.
Why it suits retirees: Social interaction; predictable hours.
Nice to have: Basic practice management software familiarity.
7) Exam invigilator or assessor
Schools, universities, SETA-accredited providers, and professional bodies require additional invigilators during exam seasons (typically May–June and October–November), plus supplementary sittings.
Why it suits retirees: Seasonal, well-structured work.
Nice to have: Attention to detail; reliability.
8) Part-time librarian or museum guide
Libraries, museums, and heritage sites often hire part-time assistants and guides. Duties include cataloguing, shelf management, guest orientation, and short tours.
Why it suits retirees: Calm, cultural environment; meaningful public service.
Nice to have: Local history interest and comfortable public speaking.
9) Tourism guiding and transfers
If you enjoy meeting travellers and know your region, consider becoming a registered tourist guide or doing airport and event transfers. Some roles require a PrDP and guide registration.
Why it suits retirees: Sociable; flexible scheduling.
Nice to have: PrDP for passenger transport; guiding accreditation where applicable.
10) Hospitality hosting and guest-relations
Boutique hotels, guesthouses, and venues seek hosts for check-ins, breakfast service, and weekend events. Your life experience and calm under pressure are assets.
Why it suits retirees: High variety; part-day shifts.
Nice to have: Basic reservation systems and customer-care training.
11) Retail brand ambassador or merchandiser
Consumer brands use mature ambassadors for in-store demos, weekend promotions, and occasional trade-show shifts. Merchandising roles focus on stock rotation and display set-ups.
Why it suits retirees: On-your-feet work with clear tasks; short shifts.
Nice to have: Comfortable standing and engaging with shoppers.
12) Care companion or patient transport
Companion roles involve meal prep, light errands, and social support for elders or people recovering from procedures. Patient transport entails safe trips to appointments.
Why it suits retirees: High purpose; often local.
Nice to have: First-aid basics; references; roadworthy vehicle.
13) School run and after-school logistics
Parents need help with morning drop-offs, afternoon pick-ups, and activity shuttles. This suits retirees with reliable vehicles who prefer short daily windows.
Why it suits retirees: Highly predictable schedule; neighbourhood-based.
Nice to have: PrDP if offering paid transport services; clean driving record.
14) Handyman and light home maintenance
If you are comfortable with small repairs, painting, or assembly, set fixed fees for common jobs. Retirees often compete on reliability and trust rather than rock-bottom pricing.
Why it suits retirees: Tangible results; set your pace.
Nice to have: Basic tools; public liability cover for peace of mind.
15) Gardening and estate care
Offer seasonal clean-ups, pruning, irrigation troubleshooting, and potting. Complexes and small estates value part-time caretakers for inspections and contractor oversight.
Why it suits retirees: Outdoor activity; visible impact.
Nice to have: Horticulture knowledge; simple service packages.
16) Pet care: walking, sitting, and drop-ins
Pet owners need walkers during work hours and sitters during travel. You can set routes near home and limit the number of pets per slot.
Why it suits retirees: Daily light exercise; affectionate clients.
Nice to have: Basic pet first-aid; references.
17) Delivery and errands (light parcels)
Choose daytime delivery windows for light parcels, documents, or speciality items for local businesses. This can be hyper-local and predictable.
Why it suits retirees: Control over hours; clear per-trip fees.
Nice to have: Smartphone with maps; organisation.
18) Freelance writing, editing, and proofreading
Businesses, publishers, and NGOs need clear writing and careful editing. Areas include blog posts, newsletters, policy documents, and grant proposals.
Why it suits retirees: Home-based; deep focus work.
Nice to have: Portfolio samples; basic formatting and referencing skills.
19) Translation and transcription
If you are bilingual or multilingual, translation is a steady niche. Transcription suits those with good hearing and typing speed; many projects are flexible.
Why it suits retirees: Remote; task-based payment.
Nice to have: Familiarity with style guides and transcription tools.
20) Data cleansing and research support
Companies often need help cleaning spreadsheets, verifying contact lists, or conducting desk research. Work is structured and can be completed in blocks.
Why it suits retirees: Quiet, methodical tasks; remote.
Nice to have: Intermediate spreadsheet skills.
21) Online shop support and order fulfilment
Local e-commerce brands need help responding to customer queries, preparing parcels a few mornings a week, and keeping product information tidy.
Why it suits retirees: Predictable half-days; tangible outcomes.
Nice to have: Basic e-commerce platform literacy.
22) Events ushering and conference registration
Venues and organisers contract friendly ushers to meet guests, scan badges, and guide seating. Work spikes around exhibitions and weekends.
Why it suits retirees: Sociable; short shifts; simple training.
Nice to have: Comfortable on your feet; neat presentation.
23) Arts, crafts, and markets
Woodwork, knitting, sewing, pottery, or upcycling can become income through local markets or occasional online sales. Price for time and materials, not only for the item.
Why it suits retirees: Creative expression; seasonal flexibility.
Nice to have: Card payment acceptance; product tags and packaging.
24) Photography and memory preservation
Offer family mini-shoots, milestone events, or photo-to-digital archiving. Many retirees build a niche in heritage and legacy projects.
Why it suits retirees: Storytelling with light equipment; part-day sessions.
Nice to have: Entry-level editing software; sample gallery.
25) Property care and short-let co-hosting
Assist owners with check-ins, cleaning oversight, inventory checks, and handyman call-outs. This is ideal in tourist corridors or near hospitals and universities.
Why it suits retirees: Operational variety; local networks.
Nice to have: Check-list discipline; reliable suppliers.
Remote-friendly roles if you prefer to work from home
- Customer support (email or chat): Part-time shifts for brands that serve South African time zones.
- Virtual assistant: Diary management, travel research, and document formatting.
- Community moderation: Keep forums or social groups safe and on topic.
- Online course facilitator: Support learner Q&A and mark short quizzes.
- Bookkeeping and invoicing: Maintain ledgers and send statements from home.
Active, social, and outdoorsy roles
- Park volunteer or guide: Trails, visitor information, and basic maintenance.
- School sports officiating: Timekeeping, line-judging, and marshalling at events.
- Walking tour host: Neighbourhood history walks with set routes and stories.
- Market operations: Stall allocation, set-up support, and trader liaison.
Micro-business ideas that fit into retirement
- Specialist ironing and laundry pick-up with guaranteed next-day turnaround.
- Home cooked freezer meals for busy families with weekly menus.
- Bespoke CV and interview coaching drawing on your managerial background.
- “Fix-it Fridays” package: book small repairs within a two-hour arrival window.
- Neighbourhood subscription gardens supplying herb or salad boxes fortnightly.
What to expect: time, earnings, and rhythm
- Time blocks: Many retirees thrive on two to three-hour blocks, two to four times per week. High-energy roles may suit mornings, while quiet desk work suits afternoons.
- Earnings: Specialist consulting and bookkeeping generally pay more per hour than companion care or retail shifts, but they can be less regular. Consider a mix of one reliable base client and one or two seasonal projects.
- Seasonality: Expect peaks in school terms (tutoring), exam months (invigilation), festive periods (retail and hospitality), and tourism seasons (guiding and transfers).
Staying safe and avoiding scams
- Never pay to apply for a job. Legitimate employers do not ask for application fees.
- Use written agreements. Even a one-page scope, rate, and payment schedule prevents misunderstandings.
- Protect personal data. Share ID copies and proof of address only when the opportunity is verified and necessary.
- Meet in public first. For private clients, meet at a neutral venue to confirm expectations.
- Ask for deposits for materials. For handyman or craft work, collect a materials deposit before purchasing.
Taxes, compliance, and benefits: what to know
This is guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so verify the latest details with official sources listed under “Sources”.
- Tax on additional income: Part-time earnings are generally taxable. If you receive income that is not taxed via PAYE (for example, freelance invoices), you may need to register as a provisional taxpayer.
- Keeping records: Maintain invoices, bank statements, and receipts. Good record-keeping simplifies returns and legitimate expense claims.
- Old Age Grant considerations: If you receive the state Old Age Grant, there are income and asset means tests. Additional income may affect eligibility. Confirm current thresholds before committing to regular work.
- Working while drawing a pension: Occupational funds and annuities typically allow you to work part-time. If you have a previous employer pension, check your fund rules for any restrictions.
- Professional Driving Permit (PrDP): If you will transport passengers for reward (for example, shuttle or tour), ensure the correct licence category and medical certification.
- Tourist guide registration: Certain guiding activities require formal registration and adherence to provincial or national requirements.
- Insurance: Consider public liability cover for client-facing services and business contents cover for tools or equipment.
- UIF and employment status: If you take a part-time employment contract (not freelance), confirm UIF deductions and your status in writing.
- Small-scale trading: If you sell goods, keep a simple cashbook and, where applicable, issue receipts. Registering a formal company is optional for micro-scale operations; many retirees trade as sole proprietors.
Simple starter toolkit
- One-page capability profile: A friendly alternative to a CV. Use headings such as “Services”, “Experience”, “Availability”, and “Rates from…”.
- Three service packages: For example, Bookkeeping “Monthly Lite”, “Standard”, “Quarterly Catch-up”. Clear bundles make buying easier.
- References and testimonials: Short quotes from two or three people carry weight.
- Basic templates: Quote, invoice, service agreement, and a receipt.
- Scheduling tool or diary routine: Reserve preferred days and update them weekly.
- Safety checklist: ID verification, site address, emergency contact, and payment method confirmed.
Pricing with confidence
- Anchor to value, not only time. If your skill saves a client a day of work, the rate should reflect the outcome, not only the hours.
- Set minimums. Two-hour minimums for call-outs ensure small jobs remain worthwhile.
- Charge fairly for travel. Quote an inclusive local radius. Beyond that, add a reasonable per-kilometre rate.
- Use retainers for admin-heavy work. A monthly retainer smooths cash flow for bookkeeping, social media replies, or property oversight.
- Offer senior or neighbour discounts deliberately and visibly, rather than letting prices slide informally.
How to find your first three clients
- Start close to home: Tell your network the exact service and two typical prices. Vague offers rarely convert.
- Leave a breadcrumb trail: Update your WhatsApp status or community group profile with “Tues & Thurs mornings: Private Maths tutoring, Grade 8–12. Slots open in Valhalla.”
- Partner with complementary providers: Bookkeepers with tax practitioners, gardeners with landscapers, tour guides with guesthouses, tutors with school PTA groups.
- Give one showcase session: A free 20-minute consultation or a mini workshop at the library positions you as helpful and credible.
- Ask for a testimonial immediately after the first successful job and add it to your one-pager.
A balanced week (example)
- Monday: Morning bookkeeping (client A, two hours).
- Tuesday: School run 07:00–08:15; afternoon tutoring 16:00–18:00.
- Wednesday: Free day for family, appointments, or hobbies.
- Thursday: Property handover checks 10:00–12:00; light gardening 15:00–16:30.
- Friday: Admin hour 09:00–10:00 to send invoices, confirm next week, and reconcile expenses.
- Saturday: Market morning once a month.
- Sunday: Rest.
This rhythm keeps two full days free while generating consistent, diversified income.
Final tips for fulfilment and longevity
- Protect your calendar. Retirement is a season to savour. Cap weekly hours and guard days off.
- Choose clients, not just jobs. Work with people who value your time and communicate clearly.
- Invest in small upgrades. A comfortable office chair, a lightweight cordless drill, or a better phone camera can elevate your workday.
- Keep learning. Short online courses in digital skills, first-aid, or local history add confidence and pricing power.
- Know when to say no. If a brief feels unsafe, underpriced, or vague, it is acceptable to decline politely.
Getting started checklist
- Decide on one primary role and one backup role.
- Set weekly hours and a firm minimum call-out.
- Prepare your one-page capability profile and three packages.
- Draft a one-page service agreement and simple invoice.
- Line up two references and request permission to share quotes.
- Confirm any licence or registration requirements (for example, PrDP, tourist guide registration, police clearance).
- Open a dedicated bank account or payment reference to keep records tidy.
- Tell your network and ask for one introduction each.
- Book your first job within the next two weeks.
Retirement is not a closing chapter; it is a new table of contents. With a clear plan, the right role, and respectful boundaries around your time, part-time work can fund adventures, foster friendships, and keep your skills alive and appreciated.
William Dube is a finance and economic news expert with over 10 years of experience in economic anaylsis, financial product assessment and market analysis. With a numerous certificates from prestigious universities including but not limited to Yale University and the University of Pennyslivenia. William specializes in providing insightful news developments in South Africa and commentary on investment strategies, risk management, and global economic trends.
You can contact him on william@rateweb.co.za
