Looking for a new side hustle? You’re in the right place.
In this post, we share a list of opportunities that you can explore to start earning more in SA. Unlike other publications, we’re only recommending the opportunities with the highest chance of success.
Let’s do this.
Best ways to earn extra income in South Africa
There are several ways that anyone can start earning a second income (or just extra income). We’re gonna list the best ones. These are proven, easy to do, and don’t cost much, if anything, to get started.
Here’s a list of extra income opportunities in South Africa:
- Freelancing
- Online surveys
- Selling products online
- Tutoring and teaching
- Pet-sitting and dog walking
- Bartending and hospitality jobs at night or on weekend
- Photography services
- Personal fitness training or coaching service
- Dj services for parties and events
- Food truck or catering services for weekend events
- Other weekend or part-time jobs
- Night shift call centre or customer service work
- Part-time retail sales work on weekends
- Delivery services for nighttime or weekend food orders
- Carpooling and ride-sharing services (e.g. Uber, Bolt, Zebra cabs)
Use the list as inspiration and think of ways to get started. Remember to take the level of competition, compensation, time horizon, and risk into account.
Let’s go through the list.
💡 Side note: If you’re reading this because your finances are tight and debt is looming over you, then take a moment to learn more about debt counselling (debt review). It could be the solution you’re looking for.
Freelancing
Freelancing is the act of working with a company on a project-by-project basis.
Check out the various types of freelance jobs to see what you can do and start applying or marketing yourself to build relationships with companies and people looking for freelance workers with your skills.
Here are popular freelancing services that you can offer:
- Writing and editing
- Graphic design
- Website design
- Social media management
- Photography
- Virtual assistant or admin work
- Translation and transcribing
Online surveys
Get paid to participate in online surveys, answer questions or share feedback.
Here are a couple of popular websites:
- Toluna
- SurveySavvy
- OpinionWorld
- LifePoints
- iPoll
- Panel Station
- Valued Opinions
- Paidwork
- Hiving
- MyPoints
Selling products online
One of the many wonders of the twenty-first century— we can sell stuff online. You can sell physical products, services, or old belongings and make some extra money.
Here are the most popular online marketplaces:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Takealot
- Bid or Buy (bopshop.co.za)
- Etsy
Tutoring and teaching
What valuable things can you teach others to do? Make a list of your skills or things that you know others are interested in learning, then package your knowledge, put a price tag on it, and start looking for customers.
Hack: you can always learn how to do something and then teach others how to do it.
Pet-sitting and dog walking
Man’s best friend deserves the absolute best. People really love their pets and don’t mind going the extra mile to keep them happy.
See if anyone in your neighbourhood is interested, or visit a community that has lots of dogs and people that might be willing to pay.
Bartending and hospitality jobs at night or on weekend
Putting a little work in on the weekend or at night is a great way to earn additional income. The hospitality industry has a lot of opportunities that include bartending, waiting tables, hostessing, cleaning, and setting up.
Look for jobs online, list places in your area and call/go over to secure a job, and check for event hospitality businesses that don’t have a physical location.
Photography services
*You’ll need a camera for this one.
Nowadays, anyone can learn photography online. Once you’re able to snap a beautiful pic, get out there and find some customers.
Pro-tip: Try to build a niche. It will help you to get referrals.
Photography niche examples:
- Event photography
- Real estate photography
- Food photography
- Baby photography
- Pet photography
- Model or influencer photography
- Product photography
Personal fitness training or coaching service
Do you look like Chris Hemsworth or Jessica Alba? Odds are other people will pay you to get them into shape.
Earn extra income by offering training and coaching sessions at the gym (or somewhere public like the beach). You can make even more money by making meal plans for your customers and negotiating a discount on supplements that you resell to your clients.
Ways to make extra money with fitness:
- One-on-one training sessions
- Host classes or group sessions
- Offer online coaching via video
- Offer nutrition and dieting services (like meal planning or even meal prepping)
DJ services for parties and events
If you know how to mix all the best songs, then DJing can be an opportunity to earn more money. Consider where your style and music catalogue will work best, then reach out to land a couple of gigs.
Contact clubs, bars, restaurants, wedding venues, and event organisers to get booked.
DJing opportunities:
- Wedding DJ
- Becoming a resident DJ at a club/bar
- Local event DJ
Bonus: if you have gear, then you can rent it out or offer it as part of your package to earn even more.
Food truck or catering services for weekend events
South Africa is a lively place. There’s a lot going on. Especially in summer. If you know your way around a kitchen, then you might be able to earn extra money by catering at events.
Here are catering opportunities you can explore:
- Food truck catering
- Wedding and events catering
- Private catering
- Food delivery service
- Sunday meal service
- Baking services (like birthday cakes)
Other weekend or part-time jobs
- Night shift call centre or customer service work
- Part-time retail sales work on weekends
- Delivery services for nighttime or weekend food orders
- Carpooling and ride-sharing services (e.g. Uber, Bolt, Zebra cabs)
Final thoughts
The opportunity is there. You just need to spot the right one, figure out how to apply yourself and grab it! Remember, everyone wants to make an extra buck, so it is competitive out there. Work hard and make sure that you stand out.
P.S. Have you tried asking for a raise or looking for a higher-paying job? Think about it. These could also work for you.
Now, go ahead and start earning more.
