Curated lists
Side income ideas for your situation
Each list runs our scoring engine on one common situation, so the options really differ from list to list. For a list built around you, take the free test.
By start-up budget
What you can realistically start with under R1,000Low-cost income options for South Africans with up to R1,000 to risk, with startup costs and time to first income.
Income options for up to R5,000 of risk moneyWhat R5,000 makes possible, which options still are not worth it, and how to test before you spend.
Online income you can start with R0Options that genuinely need no startup money, ranked for someone with a phone, some time and no budget, and what they really pay.
By your situation
Income options with limited connectivityWhen fibre, transport and laptops cannot be assumed: options that work with a phone, mobile data and local demand.
Online income that fits around lecturesRealistic options for students with little money and limited experience, including tutoring, platform work and first freelance clients.
Online income options when you are looking for workFast, low-cost options for people who are unemployed, with honest notes on what pays and what is a scam.
Side income that uses what teachers already knowTutoring, CAPS-aligned resources and online teaching, what each pays and which suits working independently.
By your skills
Earning from creative skills without an audienceClient design work, templates and marketplaces, which creative options pay before you have followers.
Ways developers can earn beyond a salaryFreelance contracts in hard currency, small software products and automation services, trade-offs for SA developers.
By how fast you need money
If you can build for six months before earningAsset-building options for people with time and some savings, and how to avoid building something nobody buys.
If you need money within a monthWhat can realistically pay within weeks, what cannot, and the scams that target people in a hurry.
By how you like to sell
Online income that does not need you on cameraOptions that work for people who want privacy: writing, design, bookkeeping, templates and more.
Earning without cold calls or pushy sellingNot wanting to sell is not the same as wanting passive income. Options where customers come through marketplaces, search or referrals.
Also see: remote jobs for South Africans, every option we have researched and our guide to making money online in South Africa.