5 Best Side Hustles in South Africa You Can Start Now

Are you a South African seeking to boost your income this year with the best side hustles in South Africa? If so, you’re in the right place! I’m here to introduce you to five of the best side hustles in South Africa that you can start right now. Whether you’re new to side hustles or looking for fresh ideas, these practical options are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience or financial resources. As someone who made $100,000 by the age of 20 through some of these hustles, I can tell you they are both achievable and rewarding with the best side hustles in South Africa.

We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.

One of the best side hustles in South Africa that you can dive into is social media management. You don’t need a background in marketing to get started. Many businesses are on the lookout for individuals to manage their social media presence. You might not need extensive skills at first, but having a basic understanding will definitely help.

To get started, immerse yourself in free resources. YouTube is a treasure trove of tutorials on social media management. Spend a couple of hours watching videos, and you’ll have a solid grasp of how to manage social media accounts.

Canva.com is a fantastic tool for creating engaging content. It offers a range of templates that make it easy to design posts, even if you have no prior experience. With Canva, you can quickly create eye-catching visuals for your clients.

For finding clients, consider freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, or Upwork. These platforms allow you to list your services and attract potential clients. It’s essential to research what other social media managers are offering and set your prices competitively.

Locally, Facebook groups and LinkedIn job postings are also excellent resources. Many businesses in South Africa are looking for local talent to manage their social media. Create a portfolio using Canva to showcase your skills and reach out to potential clients directly.

Side Hustle #2: Video Editing

Another lucrative side hustle and one of the best side hustles in South Africa is video editing. The demand for video editors is soaring, especially for clipping long-form content into short, engaging segments. This role is relatively easy to start, and there are plenty of free tools available.

If you’re new to video editing, platforms like DaVinci Resolve offer powerful editing tools at no cost. You can also explore AI content creator platforms that automatically generate clips from long-form videos. These tools are designed to meet the high demand for short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Your job as a video editor will be to take long-form content and cut it into shorter clips. This task is often quick and straightforward, making it a great side hustle for anyone with basic editing skills.

For higher earnings, consider specializing in long-form content with motion graphics. Many companies are willing to pay top dollar for high-quality video edits. Twitter and Instagram are good places to find opportunities, as many personal brands and companies post job openings or collaborate with freelance video editors.

Side Hustle #3: Freelancing

Freelancing is a broad but highly flexible side hustle. It opens up numerous opportunities depending on your skills and interests. You don’t have to follow the conventional routes like social media management or dropshipping. Instead, you can monetize your unique talents and passions.

For instance, if you have a knack for fitness, consider offering personal training sessions or creating online fitness programs. If cooking is your forte, you could offer online cooking classes or meal planning services. The key is to leverage your skills and interests to create valuable services.

I’ve built a successful career by finding what I’m passionate about and monetizing it. You can do the same by identifying your strengths and offering services based on them.

To help you get started, I’ve created a free community and program that provides detailed guidance on freelancing. This resource is designed specifically for South Africans and covers everything from finding your niche to making your first sale. You can access it via the link below in the description.

Side Hustle #4: High Ticket Closing

High ticket closing is one of the best side hustles in South Africa that not many people know about. This involves selling high-value products or services on behalf of others and earning a commission from each sale.

For example, you could sell a $4,000 course and earn a 50% commission, which could translate to $2,000 in your pocket for a single sale. This can be life-changing, especially if you’re able to close multiple deals each month.

High ticket closing requires strong communication skills and the ability to persuade potential clients. If you’re not naturally inclined towards sales, you can still develop these skills with practice.

Look for opportunities in Facebook groups or LinkedIn job postings. Many businesses and personal brands are constantly seeking skilled salespeople. Reach out to those in the business and entrepreneurial space who may need help selling their high-ticket products.

Side Hustle #5: Web Development

Web development is another top contender among the best side hustles in South Africa. This side hustle can be incredibly profitable and doesn’t necessarily require you to start a business. You can work as a solo web developer and charge high rates for your services.

While web development can be complex, there are numerous tools available to simplify the process. Platforms like Webflow, Tev, and Durable are excellent resources for creating websites without extensive design skills.

Research these platforms to find the one that best suits your needs. Many agencies and companies are constantly looking for web developers to create or update their websites, making this a lucrative field with plenty of opportunities.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—five of the best side hustles in South Africa that you can start in 2024. Each of these options offers a unique way to generate additional income, regardless of your experience level or financial situation.

From managing social media accounts to editing videos, freelancing, closing high-ticket sales, and web development, there’s something for everyone. Explore these opportunities, and choose the one that best aligns with your skills and interests.

With the right approach and dedication, you can turn these side hustles into significant sources of income. So go ahead, take action, and start your journey towards financial freedom today!

FAQs:

How to Make R1000 a Day in South Africa?

Making R1000 a day in South Africa is achievable with the right strategies and side hustles. Here are some effective methods to reach this goal:

Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer various opportunities. Skills in writing, graphic design, web development, or digital marketing can be monetized. By securing multiple short-term projects, you can reach or exceed R1000 daily.

Online Tutoring: Teaching subjects you are proficient in via platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant can be lucrative. With a good number of students, earning R1000 a day is possible.
Delivery Services: Working with local delivery services or apps such as Uber Eats or Bolt Food can provide a steady income. With enough deliveries, you can easily hit the R1000 mark.
Social Media Management: Many small businesses need help managing their social media profiles. Offering this service can generate significant daily income, especially if you take on multiple clients.

Virtual Assistance: Providing administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely can also be profitable. Tasks might include managing emails, scheduling, or data entry.

How to Make Extra Money on the Side in South Africa?

Finding extra income streams is a great way to boost your finances. Here are some popular side hustles in South Africa:

Sell Handmade Goods: Platforms like Etsy or local markets are ideal for selling crafts, art, or homemade products. This can be a fun and profitable side hustle.

Real Estate Investing: Renting out a property or even a spare room on platforms like Airbnb can provide a steady side income.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through your blog or social media and earn commissions on sales generated through your referrals.
Online Surveys and Market Research: Participating in paid surveys or market research studies can be a simple way to make extra money.

Event Planning: If you have organizational skills, consider offering event planning services for parties, weddings, or corporate events.

Which Side Hustle Pays the Most?

The profitability of side hustles can vary based on skills, experience, and market demand. However, some of the highest-paying side hustles include:

Freelance Web Development: Specializing in web development or programming can command high rates, especially for complex projects.

High Ticket Sales: Selling high-ticket items or services, such as premium courses or coaching programs, can yield significant commissions.
Consulting: Offering consulting services in a specialized field can be highly lucrative. This could be in business strategy, marketing, or finance.
Real Estate Investments: Investing in property or real estate can provide substantial returns, particularly if you focus on rental income or property flipping.

Professional Coaching: Providing coaching services in areas like business, life, or career development can be highly rewarding financially.

How to Make Money in One Hour in South Africa?

If you need to make money quickly, consider these options:

Freelance Gigs: Platforms like Fiverr allow you to offer quick services such as logo design, proofreading, or social media posts. You can earn money within an hour of completing tasks.

Sell Unwanted Items: Utilize platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to sell items you no longer need. This can generate instant cash.
Gig Economy Jobs: Engage in gig economy tasks such as driving for ride-share apps or delivering food. Earnings can accumulate quickly, especially during peak hours.
Participate in Paid Surveys: Some survey sites offer quick cash for participation. While it may not be substantial, it can provide immediate money.

Offer Immediate Services: Advertise services like pet sitting, house cleaning, or tutoring on local community boards or social media for quick cash opportunities.

We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.