Looking to make extra cash? Discover 10 profitable side hustles you can start today in South Africa, including delivery driving, dropshipping, tutoring, and more.
🤑 10 Side Hustles to Start Today in South Africa (2025 Guide)
Are you searching for easy ways to make extra money in South Africa? Whether you’re a student, full-time worker, or in between jobs, a side hustle can help you earn additional income and build financial security. Here are 10 practical side hustles you can start today in South Africa—with low to no startup costs.
1. ✍️ Freelance Writing and Editing
If you enjoy writing, consider becoming a freelance writer or editor. South African and global clients are always looking for blog posts, web copy, and editing services.
💡 Pro Tip: Join platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or local options like NoSweat.
🔎 Keywords: freelance writing jobs South Africa, remote content writer SA
2. 🎓 Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is growing fast in South Africa. If you’re good at a school subject or can speak English fluently, you’re already qualified.
💡 Platforms: Preply, Teach Me 2, Cambly
🔎 Keywords: teach English online South Africa, online tutoring South Africa
3. 🚗 Become a Delivery Driver
With delivery services booming, use your car, scooter, or bike to earn income. Join Mr D, Uber Eats, or Amarooh Delivery Services—a fast-growing local delivery app.
💡 Low barrier to entry: All you need is a reliable vehicle.
🔎 Keywords: delivery driver jobs South Africa, earn with car SA
4. 🛒 Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping lets you sell products online without keeping inventory. With suppliers handling the shipping, you only focus on marketing and orders.
💡 Tools: Shopify, WooCommerce, Spocket
🔎 Keywords: dropshipping South Africa, online store business SA
5. 📱 Social Media Management
Many small businesses lack time to manage their Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok pages. Offer to grow their presence for a monthly fee.
💡 Target: Small local businesses, salons, restaurants
🔎 Keywords: social media jobs South Africa, manage business Instagram
6. 📦 Sell Products on Takealot
Selling on Takealot gives you access to millions of South African shoppers. You can start by reselling trending or in-demand items.
💡 Niche ideas: pet accessories, baby products, home gadgets
🔎 Keywords: sell on Takealot, eCommerce business South Africa
7. 🎥 Start a YouTube Channel
Create a channel around what you know or enjoy—lifestyle, tech reviews, tutorials, or South African news. YouTube monetization can become a solid income stream.
💡 Tip: Stay consistent and use SEO titles and thumbnails
🔎 Keywords: make money on YouTube South Africa, SA content creators
8. 🏡 Rent Out a Room or Flat
Platforms like Airbnb and LekkeSlaap allow you to earn passive income by renting out a spare room or property to tourists or business travelers.
💡 Bonus: Offer Wi-Fi, local recommendations, or breakfast
🔎 Keywords: Airbnb South Africa, earn income renting property SA
9. 🐶 Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals, this one’s for you. Offer pet sitting or dog walking services in your community or through apps like PetBacker.
💡 Advertise: WhatsApp groups, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree
🔎 Keywords: pet sitting jobs SA, dog walker side hustle South Africa
10. 📸 Photography for Events or Online Sales
Use your phone or DSLR to take quality photos for events, portraits, or to sell online as stock photos.
💡 Side idea: Offer product photography for small online sellers
🔎 Keywords: photography jobs SA, sell stock photos South Africa
✅ Final Thoughts: Which Side Hustle is Right for You?
Whether you’re in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or a smaller town, these South African side hustles can help you earn extra income in 2025. Most of them require little to no upfront investment—just consistency and a willingness to learn.