Tutoring means helping a learner understand a subject they're finding hard, or pushing a strong learner higher before exams. You can do it in two ways, and most tutors use both.
1. Through an agency. Teach Me 2, Turtlejar and Teach Me Now find the learners, set the times, invoice the parents and pay you. You give up part of the fee, but you don't have to find anyone yourself.
2. Directly with parents. You find learners through people you know, school groups and referrals. You set your own price and keep all of it, but you do the admin and chase payment.
Who pays: mostly parents of Grade 8 to 12 learners, plus university students. The busiest times are the weeks before mid-year and final exams.
What agencies ask for (2026)
- Teach Me 2: 18 or older, a South African citizen or valid work visa, at least 80% in matric for the school subjects you tutor (75% for university subjects), and a background check.
- Turtlejar: about 80% to 85% in the matric subjects you offer, 75% to 80% for university subjects, and your own transport for in-person lessons.
- Teach Me Now: online lessons only, a short unpaid training course (about 130 to 140 minutes), an identity check and background checks.
A good sign: a first booked lesson within about three weeks.