Opportunity explorer
Every way to earn we have researched
128 options, each with real rand costs and sources. Tap a filter to narrow it down.
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- Services for businessesReferral partner for SA finance and insurance productsRefer businesses or people to lenders, insurers and comparison sites through official partner programmes, sharing factual information and links without giving financial advice.To startR0 to R500First randabout 4 months
- Design, media and contentAffiliate links for SA shops on social media and WhatsAppRecommend products you genuinely use through affiliate links from South African online shops (and Amazon through a supported country), and earn a commission when people buy.To startR0 to R500First randabout 3 months
- Caring for peopleExtra nursing shifts through an agencyRegistered nurses can pick up paid shifts at hospitals, clinics or in home care through a nursing agency, choosing the days that fit around a main job.To startR0 to R1 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryAI training and data annotation workRate, label or write responses to train AI models, on platforms such as Outlier, or simpler annotation tasks elsewhere.To startR0First randabout 3 weeks
- Renting things outHosting guests on AirbnbHost travellers in a spare room, flatlet or cottage through Airbnb, with cleaning and check-ins handled by you.To startR1 000 to R20 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingReselling airtime, data and electricitySell prepaid airtime, data and electricity to your community from your phone through vending platforms.To startR100 to R2 000First randabout 7 days
- Markets, shops and tradingSelling on Amazon.co.za MarketplaceList products you make or buy in on Amazon.co.za and let buyers find them in Amazon search, using the individual plan while you test.To startR1 000 to R15 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryApp-based local gig work (cleaning, delivery)Find work through apps such as SweepSouth (home cleaning) or delivery apps; the app finds customers, you do the work in person.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Handmade and craftsSelling your paintings, drawings and art printsSell original paintings and drawings, and printed copies of your art, online, at markets and through cafes and galleries.To startR300 to R5 000First randabout 2 months
- Tech and buildingNo-code and AI automation for small businessesSet up automations (forms → spreadsheets → invoices, WhatsApp replies, AI-assisted document processing) that save owners hours.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 2 months
- Caring for peopleBabysitting and childminding (up to six children)Look after children in their homes or yours, evenings, weekends or after school, for up to six children at a time.To startR0 to R800First randabout 2 weeks
- Renting things outRenting out backyard roomsRent out a room or backyard unit on your property to a tenant, with a written lease and fair house rules.To startR0 to R60 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingGrowing and selling vegetables from a backyard or small plotGrow spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, onions and herbs in a backyard, communal or small plot and sell to neighbours, spazas and street traders.To startR300 to R5 000First randabout 2 months
- Apps, platforms and deliveryBakkie hire, small moves and furniture deliveriesUse your bakkie or trailer for small moves, furniture deliveries, rubble removal and collections, charging a minimum plus a rate per kilometre.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 7 days
- Caring for peopleBarbering from home, a container or mobileCut hair, fades, line designs and beards from a chair at home, a container or by visiting clients, with bookings on WhatsApp.To startR1 500 to R10 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingBeekeeping and selling honeyKeep a few hives on a farm, smallholding or big yard, harvest honey and wax, and sell jars locally or to shops.To startR3 000 to R15 000First randabout 8 months
- Services for businessesBookkeeping for small businessesMonthly bookkeeping, invoicing and reconciliations for sole traders and small companies using Xero, Sage or QuickBooks.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingRaising broiler chickens to sellRaise batches of broiler chicks for about six weeks and sell them live or dressed to households, spazas, caterers and street cooks.To startR3 000 to R20 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingBulk buying and reselling with a buying group or stokvelPool money with a group to buy groceries, toiletries or household goods in bulk at wholesale prices, then resell smaller packs to neighbours, workplaces and spaza shops.To startR1 000 to R10 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingCar boot sales and pop-up salesSell household items, clothes, books and bits you no longer need, or bargains you find, from the boot of a car at weekend car boot sales and community pop-up sales.To startR0 to R500First randabout 10 days
- Trades and repairsCar wash (fixed spot or mobile)Wash and vacuum cars at a fixed spot or at clients' homes and offices, with a simple price list for cars, SUVs and taxis.To startR1 000 to R10 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Food and bakingCelebration cakes and baking to orderBake birthday, wedding and celebration cakes, cupcakes and treats to order from your kitchen, with deposits and a clear price list.To startR300 to R4 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Trades and repairsComputer help and laptop repairsSet up, clean, speed up and repair laptops and PCs, install software, fix Wi-Fi and printers, and help small offices and older people with their tech.To startR500 to R5 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Teaching and tutoringTeaching your craft in workshops and classesTeach candle making, pottery, sewing, crochet, beadwork or leatherwork in small paid classes, at home, in cafes or for groups.To startR500 to R5 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Caring for peopleCreche, day mother or aftercare centreCare for young children or after-school learners at a safe, registered place, with meals, play and homework time.To startR3 000 to R30 000First randabout 3 months
- Handmade and craftsCrochet, knitting and textile crafts to orderCrochet or knit baby blankets, beanies, toys and home pieces, sold ready-made and to order.To startR100 to R800First randabout 4 weeks
- Handmade and craftsCustom clothing and traditional wear made to orderDesign and sew made-to-measure dresses, traditional outfits, matric dance wear or kids' clothes for individual customers.To startR0 to R5 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Words and languagesCV writing and LinkedIn profilesRewrite CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles for job seekers and professionals.To startR0 to R500First randabout 3 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryLocal delivery and errand runnerDeliver food, groceries, parcels and medicine for local shops, takeaways and households, and run errands such as queues and collections.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 7 days
- Design, media and contentDigital templates and practical toolsSpreadsheets, Notion/Canva templates, checklists and calculators for a specific profession or task.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 3 months
- Markets, shops and tradingDirect selling from catalogues (Avon and similar)Sell products from a direct-selling company's brochure to friends, colleagues and neighbours, earning the difference between your discounted price and the brochure price.To startR0 to R600First randabout 3 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryE-hailing driving (Uber, Bolt)Drive passengers through an e-hailing app in your own car or one you rent from a fleet owner, choosing your hours.To startR1 000 to R15 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Words and languagesEditing and proofreadingEdit theses, reports, books and business documents for clarity, grammar and consistency.To startR0 to R300First randabout 4 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingKeeping laying hens and selling eggsKeep a small flock of laying hens and sell fresh eggs by the tray or dozen to neighbours, spazas and shops.To startR3 000 to R15 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Design, media and contentPrintables and digital downloads on EtsyPlanners, wall art, party printables and similar downloads sold to international buyers through Etsy.To startR0 to R1 000First randabout 3 months
- Food and bakingCatering for events, funerals and functionsCook and serve food for parties, weddings, funerals, church and company events, priced per head with a deposit.To startR2 000 to R20 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Design, media and contentEvent decor and small event planningDecorate and plan birthdays, baby showers, umembeso, weddings and year-end functions, with decor you own or hire.To startR1 000 to R20 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Design, media and contentEvent and portrait photographyPhotograph birthdays, graduations, church events, family portraits and small weddings, and deliver edited photos online.To startR0 to R15 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryEvent staff, promoters and brand ambassadorsWork shifts handing out samples in shops, running activations, ushering at events and staffing stands, booked through agencies and apps.To startR0 to R300First randabout 3 weeks
- Teaching and tutoringPersonal training and fitness classesTrain clients one-to-one or run group classes in parks, halls or clients' homes.To startR500 to R8 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryFood delivery rider (Uber Eats, Mr D)Deliver food and groceries through delivery apps on a motorbike, scooter or car, choosing your hours.To startR500 to R15 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Words and languagesFreelance writing for businessesWrite web pages, blog articles, emails and product copy for businesses in South Africa or abroad.To startR0 to R500First randabout 4 weeks
- Trades and repairsGarden services and lawn mowingMow lawns, trim hedges, weed and clean up gardens for households and complexes on a regular round.To startR1 500 to R12 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingSmall-scale goat farmingKeep a small herd of indigenous or meat goats and sell live animals to neighbours, for ceremonies, at auctions or to speculators.To startR5 000 to R40 000First randabout 8 months
- Design, media and contentGraphic design for small businessesLogos, social media graphics, menus, flyers and brand kits for small businesses.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 4 weeks
- Caring for peopleHair braiding and styling from homeBraid, plait, cornrow, install wigs or do natural-hair styling from home or as a mobile stylist, with bookings on WhatsApp.To startR300 to R3 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Handmade and craftsSelling your handmade goods online and at marketsTurn what you already make into a small shop: a WhatsApp or Instagram catalogue, local markets, and marketplaces such as Bob Shop, AYA Africa or Etsy.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 4 weeks
- Handmade and craftsHandmade soap, candles and bath productsMake soap, soy candles, bath salts or balms at home and sell them to people nearby, at markets and through WhatsApp or Instagram.To startR300 to R2 500First randabout 6 weeks
- Caring for peopleHome care and companionship for older or sick peopleHelp older or recovering people at home with daily care, meals, company and getting to appointments, privately or through a care agency.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Trades and repairsHome and office cleaning for your own clientsClean homes, flats and small offices for regular clients you find yourself, or start through an app such as SweepSouth and build your own client list.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 2 weeks
- Food and bakingHome food or baking sold via WhatsApp and social mediaTake pre-orders for meals, baked goods or snacks via WhatsApp Business and Instagram, delivered or collected locally.To startR100 to R5 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Trades and repairsHouse paintingPaint rooms, walls, roofs and boundary walls for homes and small businesses, with neat prep and clean-up.To startR1 000 to R6 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Food and bakingSelling ice, cold drinks and ice lolliesSell bags of ice, cold drinks, water and homemade ice lollies (freezies) from home or a stand, especially in summer and on weekends.To startR500 to R6 000First randabout 7 days
- Handmade and craftsHandmade jewellery and beadworkMake beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets, or wire and resin jewellery, and sell at markets, online and to gift shops.To startR100 to R1 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Renting things outJumping castle and kids' party hireHire out jumping castles, slides and party games for children's parties, schools and events, delivered and set up.To startR5 000 to R30 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Food and bakingKotas, vetkoek and street food standSell kotas, vetkoek, chips, russians or other quick food from a stand, a container or your gate at lunchtime and after school.To startR1 500 to R10 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Trades and repairsLaundry and ironing serviceWash, dry, fold and iron clothes for busy households, students and small businesses, priced by the kilogram or the bag.To startR500 to R8 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Handmade and craftsHandmade leather goods (wallets, belts, bags)Hand-stitch wallets, card holders, belts, key rings and small bags from leather and sell them as gifts and everyday goods.To startR600 to R5 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Trades and repairsHandyman, repairs and mobile mechanic workUse trade skills you already have to fix things for households and small businesses near you: repairs, fitting, maintenance, or car repairs at the customer's home.To startR300 to R5 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingReselling LPG gas cylinders and paraffinSell refilled LPG cooking-gas cylinders and paraffin to neighbours, buying from a licensed distributor and storing them safely.To startR2 000 to R10 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Caring for peopleMake-up for matric dances, weddings and eventsDo make-up for matric farewells, brides, bridesmaids, photo shoots and parties, from home or by travelling to clients.To startR2 000 to R10 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingSelling at craft, flea and weekend marketsRent a table at a craft, flea or weekend market and sell goods you make or buy in, face to face, with a card machine and a WhatsApp catalogue for repeat buyers.To startR300 to R3 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingFlipping furniture and electronics on Facebook Marketplace and GumtreeBuy under-priced furniture, appliances, tools or electronics from estate sales, auctions and listings, clean or fix them, and resell them at a fair profit on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.To startR500 to R5 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Food and bakingMeal prep and weekday lunchesCook healthy or home-style meals in batches and sell weekly meal packs or daily lunches to workers, students and busy families.To startR500 to R5 000First randabout 3 weeks
- Tech and buildingSmall software product (micro-SaaS)Build a focused paid software tool for a narrow audience with a specific, recurring problem.To startR2 000 to R30 000First randabout 6 months
- Design, media and contentMobile DJ and sound hireDJ at parties, weddings and events, and hire out speakers and sound for functions, funerals and church events.To startR5 000 to R40 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Teaching and tutoringMusic lessons (piano, guitar, voice)Teach piano, guitar, singing or another instrument to children and adults, at your home, theirs or online.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Caring for peopleNails and beauty treatments from homeOffer gel overlays, acrylics, manicures, pedicures, lashes or brows from home or as a mobile technician.To startR1 500 to R6 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Design, media and contentNiche content site with affiliate and ad incomePublish genuinely useful articles or comparisons in a niche and earn from affiliate links and ads.To startR300 to R3 000First randabout 9 months
- Teaching and tutoringPaid online course or cohort for professionalsTeach a practical professional skill in a live cohort or recorded course.To startR0 to R5 000First randabout 3 months
- Teaching and tutoringTeaching English online to international learnersConversational English lessons on platforms such as Cambly and Preply, paid in dollars.To startR0 to R800First randabout 3 weeks
- Teaching and tutoringOnline tutoring for South African learnersTutor school or university learners in maths, science, accounting, languages and more, in person, online or via tutoring agencies.To startR0 to R500First randabout 3 weeks
- Trades and repairsPanel beating and spray paintingFix dents, scratches and small accident damage, and respray panels for private owners and taxis.To startR5 000 to R40 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Renting things outRenting out a parking bay, garage or storage spaceRent a spare bay, garage or lock-up to a neighbour, commuter or small business for a monthly fee.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Caring for peopleDog walking and pet sittingWalk dogs, feed pets and house-sit for owners who work long hours or travel, in your own neighbourhood.To startR0 to R800First randabout 2 weeks
- Trades and repairsPhone and electronics repairsReplace screens, batteries and charging ports, and fix common phone and small-electronics faults from a counter, container or home.To startR2 000 to R10 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Handmade and craftsPottery and ceramicsMake mugs, bowls, planters and decor from clay and sell them at markets, online and to cafes and shops.To startR1 000 to R30 000First randabout 2 months
- Design, media and contentPrint-on-demand designsUpload designs to platforms that print and ship T-shirts, mugs and posters when someone orders.To startR0 to R500First randabout 4 months
- Services for businessesPrinting, copies and CV typing serviceOffer printing, copies, scanning, laminating, CV typing and online applications from a small counter or your home.To startR3 000 to R15 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingCollecting and selling recycling to buy-back centresCollect cans, plastic bottles, cardboard and paper from homes, businesses and events, sort them, and sell them by the kilogram to a buy-back centre.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 7 days
- Remote jobsRemote bookkeeping or finance jobEmployed bookkeeping, accounts payable and finance assistant roles for local firms and foreign companies.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote customer support job (employment)Salaried work-from-home roles in customer service for UK, US or local companies.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote product, UI or graphic designer jobIn-house design roles worked remotely: product and UI design, brand and marketing design.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote software developer jobEmployed or long-term contract developer roles with South African or international companies, often through OfferZen or an employer of record.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote English teaching job (contracted)Contracted or part-time employed online English teaching for schools and language companies, as listed on South African job boards.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote marketing or content jobEmployed roles in content writing, social media, email and performance marketing for companies that work remotely.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote professional job for an international companyFull- or part-time remote employment (software, design, marketing, finance) paid in foreign currency or via an employer of record.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 3 months
- Remote jobsRemote QA tester or data analyst jobEmployed roles testing software for bugs or preparing and analysing data, worked remotely.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsSales development representative (remote)Book meetings for a sales team by researching prospects and reaching out by email, LinkedIn and phone. Usually base salary plus commission.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsRemote virtual or executive assistant (employed)A salaried or retained assistant role for one company or executive: inbox, calendar, travel, documents and follow-ups.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliveryPaid research studies and surveysTake part in academic studies (Prolific) and market research surveys for small payments.To startR0First randabout 2 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingReselling pre-loved items onlineSell your own unused items, then source second-hand clothes, books or electronics to resell on Yaga or Facebook Marketplace.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 7 days
- Handmade and craftsResin art: coasters, trays and keepsakesPour coasters, trays, keyrings, name signs and keepsakes in epoxy resin, and sell them as gifts and custom orders.To startR500 to R4 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Apps, platforms and deliverySchool transport (lift club or scholar transport)Drive children to and from school every day for a monthly fee, with the licences, permits and insurance the law needs.To startR3 000 to R20 000First randabout 3 months
- Handmade and craftsSewing school uniforms and tracksuitsSew tunics, skirts, trousers and tracksuits for local schools and parents, and offer alterations in the back-to-school rush.To startR1 500 to R10 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingCollecting and selling scrap metalCollect legal scrap such as old appliances, car parts and offcuts from homes and workshops, and sell it to a registered scrap dealer.To startR0 to R3 000First randabout 7 days
- Remote jobsSeasonal and temp work (harvests, festive season, stock-takes)Short paid contracts: fruit picking and packing, festive-season shop and warehouse work, stock-takes, exam invigilating and census-style fieldwork.To startR0 to R300First randabout 3 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingSelling second-hand clothes from balesBuy graded bales of second-hand clothes from wholesalers, sort, wash and price them, and sell from home, a stall, a WhatsApp group or Facebook.To startR1 500 to R6 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Growing, farming and recyclingGrowing and selling seedlings and plantsRaise vegetable seedlings, herbs and pot plants and sell them to home gardeners, community gardens and at markets.To startR300 to R4 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Handmade and craftsSewing alterations and clothing repairs from homeHem trousers, replace zips, take in dresses and fix school uniforms for people in your area, using your own sewing machine.To startR0 to R3 500First randabout 2 weeks
- Food and bakingBraai stand or small shisanyamaBraai and sell meat, wors, chicken and pap at weekends, events or a fixed spot, either selling meat by the plate or braaiing what customers buy.To startR2 000 to R15 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Trades and repairsShoe and bag repairsReplace heels and soles, stitch, glue and stretch shoes, and fix bags and zips, from a small stall, container or home.To startR1 500 to R15 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Trades and repairsSneaker cleaning and restorationHand-clean, whiten and restore sneakers and school shoes, with drop-off at home or collection in your area.To startR500 to R3 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Design, media and contentSocial media management for local businessesPlan, create and post content for small businesses that know they should be on social media but never get to it.To startR0 to R1 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Tech and buildingFreelance software development for overseas clientsContract development work (web apps, integrations, bug fixing) billed in dollars, pounds or euros.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingSpaza shop or tuck shopRun a small neighbourhood shop from your property selling bread, milk, airtime, snacks and household basics, registered with your municipality.To startR3 000 to R20 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Services for businessesSpecialist consulting from your professional experienceSell advice or project work in a field you know deeply: HR, compliance, engineering, marketing, procurement, health and safety, and so on.To startR0 to R5 000First randabout 2 months
- Design, media and contentStock photos and videoLicense photos and clips through stock agencies; authentic South African imagery is less saturated.To startR0 to R10 000First randabout 4 months
- Markets, shops and tradingStreet or taxi rank stall (informal trading)Sell snacks, sweets, fruit, cold drinks, phone accessories or everyday goods from a small stall where people pass every day, such as a taxi rank, station or busy corner, with the right trading permit.To startR500 to R4 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Markets, shops and tradingSelling products on Takealot MarketplaceBuy stock, send it to Takealot's warehouses and sell on SA's largest online marketplace.To startR5 000 to R30 000First randabout 2 months
- Teaching and tutoringSelling teaching resources (worksheets, lesson plans)Create CAPS-aligned worksheets, assessments and lesson plans and sell them on Teacha! or your own store.To startR0 to R500First randabout 2 months
- Renting things outTent, chair and table hireBuy tents, chairs, tables and linen and hire them out for funerals, weddings, parties and church events, with delivery and set-up.To startR10 000 to R60 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Renting things outHiring out tools and equipmentHire out tools you own, such as concrete mixers, ladders, pressure washers or generators, to neighbours and builders by the day.To startR0 to R20 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Services for businessesRegistered tourist guiding, including township toursShow visitors your area, its history, food and people, on foot or by car, as a registered tourist guide.To startR1 000 to R10 000First randabout 4 months
- Words and languagesTranscription and captioningType out audio and video accurately for transcription platforms or local firms.To startR0 to R800First randabout 2 months
- Words and languagesTranslation and localisation into South African languagesTranslate documents, websites and campaigns into isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana and others.To startR0 to R1 500First randabout 6 weeks
- Trades and repairsTyre fixing and puncture repairsFix punctures, fit and balance second-hand or new tyres, and offer roadside help, from a roadside spot or a small workshop.To startR3 000 to R15 000First randabout 2 weeks
- Design, media and contentUser-generated content (UGC) for brandsMake short product videos for brands to use in their own ads; you do not need your own audience.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Handmade and craftsUpcycling and painting old furnitureBuy tired furniture second-hand, repair and repaint it, and sell it on Marketplace, at markets or to order.To startR1 000 to R8 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Words and languagesVideo editing for creators and businessesEdit short-form and long-form videos for YouTubers, coaches, podcasters and businesses.To startR0 to R5 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Services for businessesVirtual assistant (admin support)Inbox, calendar, data entry, customer replies and light bookkeeping for busy owners, locally or overseas.To startR0 to R500First randabout 6 weeks
- Design, media and contentVoice-overs for adverts, videos and e-learningRecord voice-overs for radio adverts, company videos, e-learning, YouTube and podcasts, from a quiet corner at home with a good microphone.To startR1 500 to R8 000First randabout 2 months
- Design, media and contentWebsites for small businessesBuild and maintain simple websites and online shops on WordPress, Shopify, Wix or similar.To startR0 to R2 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Trades and repairsWelding: gates, burglar bars and steel workMake and fit security gates, burglar bars, carports and repairs from a small workshop, quoting per job.To startR5 000 to R30 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Handmade and craftsWire and bead artMake wire and bead animals, bowls, lights, keyrings and decor, and sell them at markets, curio shops, tourist spots and online.To startR300 to R2 000First randabout 4 weeks
- Handmade and craftsWoodwork: boards, decor and small furnitureMake cutting and serving boards, shelves, signs, toys and small furniture and sell them as gifts and homeware.To startR1 500 to R15 000First randabout 6 weeks
- Remote jobsFree youth job and learnership programmes (SAYouth.mobi)If you are 18 to 34 and not working, join SAYouth.mobi, the free and zero-rated platform of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, for local jobs, learnerships and paid work experience.To startR0First randabout 3 months
- Design, media and contentYouTube channel (long-form)Build a channel in a niche and earn from ads, sponsorships and affiliate links once eligible.To startR0 to R5 000First randabout 12 months
Traps we advise against
These cost people money in South Africa. Tap one to see why.
- Selling fake branded clothes, sneakers, perfume or electronicsBuying fake brand-name goods in bulk to resell at markets, taxi ranks or online.
- Dropshipping funded by paid ads on a small budgetGeneric store, imported products, Meta/TikTok ads.
- Forex, crypto "signals" and trading bots as incomeTrading groups, signal subscriptions and "AI bots" sold as a way to earn a living.
- Betting systems, "matched betting" and gambling as incomeSports betting systems or casino strategies marketed as side hustles.
- Expensive "passive income" courses and coaching funnelsHigh-priced programmes promising automated income.
- Informal money lending (mashonisa) without registrationLending money to neighbours at high interest, often keeping their bank or SASSA card until they pay back.
- Paying a fee to get a job, a learnership or a training placeAgents or adverts that ask for money for a job, a uniform, a medical, training or a "registration" before you start.
- Multi-level marketing / network marketingSchemes where income comes mainly from recruiting others and buying starter kits.
- Money-doubling schemes, "gifting circles" and fake investment stokvelsGroups that promise to double your money in weeks, pay early members from new members’ money, or call themselves a stokvel while promising returns.
- Buying or selling copper cable and scrap metal without checking where it came fromCollecting or buying copper, cable, manhole covers or rail parts and selling them to scrapyards that do not ask where it came from.
- WhatsApp and Telegram "task" jobs and pay-to-join data entryGroups that pay a few rand for likes or reviews, then ask you to deposit money to unlock bigger tasks.
- Earning from TikTok views (Creator Rewards)Getting paid per view on TikTok.
- Selling alcohol without a liquor licence (an unlicensed shebeen or tavern)Selling beer, ciders or spirits from home, a car boot or a stall without a provincial liquor licence.