Best Side Hustles South Africa 2025: Earn R5,000+ Extra Income Locally

15 Min Read

Introduction

South Africans are hustlers by nature. Whether you’re in Soweto, Sea Point, Umlazi, or Polokwane, the hustle is real, and the grind is necessary. In 2025, side hustles aren’t just a trend, they’re a lifeline. Stats SA says over 40% of working-age adults are hunting for extra income, and with load shedding, fuel hikes, and groceries costing a small fortune, earning R5,000 or more on the side is a real game-changer. Forget those generic “make money online” lists, here’s your inside track on the best side hustles for Mzansi, with real stories, real budgets, and payment methods you actually use. Let’s get straight to the money moves South Africans are making right now.

Comparison Table: Best Side Hustles South Africa 2025

Side Hustle Startup Costs Real Example/City Monthly Income Range Major Hurdles Tips for Success
Tutoring & Online Education R0 to R1,000 Joseph (Umlazi) R5,000 to R12,000 Data costs, finding clients Use Teach Me 2, free WiFi zones, WhatsApp marketing
Food & Dessert Microbusiness R2,000 to R5,000 Noluthando (Khayelitsha) R3,500 to R16,000 Load shedding, spoilage Gas cooker, SnapScan payments, local delivery
Freelancing (Digital Skills) R0 to R500 Danielle (Bloemfontein) R6,000 to R20,000 Global competition, client trust Build Fiverr/Upwork profile, showcase local work
Online Retail & Dropshipping R500 to R3,000 Thabo (Pretoria) R4,000 to R14,000 Courier delays, scam buyers Use Takealot/Yaga, cash on delivery, good reviews
Ride-Hailing & Delivery R0 to R2,500 (fuel/top-up) Sipho (Durban) R5,000 to R11,000 Crime, vehicle costs Drive peak hours, Bolt/Uber, cashless payouts
Social Media Content Creation R0 to R4,000 (gear) Lee-Anne (Cape Town) R1,500 to R7,500 Building audience, data Free TikTok/YouTube, partner with SA brands
Event Planning & Decor R1,200 to R5,500 Eric (Gqeberha) R3,000 to R10,000 Transport, last-minute bookings Facebook groups, Gumtree ads, contracts upfront

Tutoring & Online Education: How Joseph from Umlazi Reached R9,000/mo

Joseph Ndlovu, a 28-year-old maths whiz from Umlazi, never imagined that helping struggling students after hours would become his main source of extra cash. In early 2024, Joseph signed up on Teach Me 2 after seeing a WhatsApp ad in a local parents’ group. His first gig was tutoring a Grade 12 learner in science for R250 per hour. By March, word of mouth had spread, he was juggling four learners a week, both online and in-person at the local library.

Joseph’s monthly breakdown looked like this:

  • Startup costs: R800 (for data top-up, ring light, and basic printed flyers)
  • First income: R1,250 (five lessons in month one, cash and EFT payments via Capitec)
  • Now earning: R9,000 to R12,000 per month (10+ students, mix of online Zoom and Saturday group lessons)
  • Payments: Capitec and FNB EFT, SnapScan for parents who prefer quick mobile payments

His main challenge was data costs and unreliable WiFi, Joseph solved this by doing group lessons at the local community hall, which has free WiFi. He also printed mini flyers for schools and churches, building trust in the community. Joseph now offers first-lesson discounts and WhatsApp support for quick homework help, which parents love. His biggest lesson? “Consistency and good feedback are everything. Even one happy student brings three more.”

  1. Sign up on Teach Me 2 or Preply.
  2. Create a detailed tutor profile with your subjects, rates, and local area.
  3. Promote on WhatsApp, Facebook, and at local schools.
  4. Offer the first session at a discount to build reviews.
  5. Accept payments via EFT, SnapScan, or cash if needed.

Food & Dessert Microbusiness: Noluthando’s Khayelitsha Sweet Treats

Noluthando Maseko, single mother of two in Khayelitsha, turned her love for baking into a booming side hustle. Armed with her late grandmother’s scone recipe and a secondhand oven, she started baking in her flat on weekends. Her startup costs were R2,200: flour, sugar, baking trays, and a gas cylinder for when load shedding hit. She posted photos on local WhatsApp groups and Facebook Marketplace, offering “delivery from R10 extra.”

By Easter 2025, Noluthando was selling R1,200 worth of baked goods per Saturday, mostly to neighbours and taxi ranks. Her monthly numbers:

  • Startup costs: R2,200 (ingredients, trays, gas)
  • First month: R3,500 (mostly cash, some via Yoco card machine borrowed from a cousin)
  • Now earning: Up to R16,000/month during holidays (Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Christmas)
  • Payments: Cash, Yoco, SnapScan, and Capitec transfers

Her biggest challenge? Spoilage from unsold stock and load shedding. She overcame it by switching to gas baking, taking pre-orders, and offering “pay on collection” to avoid no-shows. She joined a women’s business WhatsApp group for bulk-buying flour at a discount. Her advice: “Be visible. People trust you more if you’re in the community and deliver what you promise.”

  1. Get basic permits from your local municipality if needed.
  2. Buy starter ingredients and budget for a backup gas cooker.
  3. Promote your goods on WhatsApp, Facebook, and at taxi ranks/local churches.
  4. Offer samples and take pre-orders for events.
  5. Accept SnapScan, Yoco, or cash payments for flexibility.

Freelancing: Danielle the Bloemfontein Copywriter

Danielle van der Merwe, a recent university graduate in Bloemfontein, faced the classic struggle: decent CV, no job. Instead of waiting, she signed up on Fiverr in late 2024, offering copywriting and proofreading services for R250 per gig. With just a laptop and free Canva templates, Danielle built a profile, uploading samples of her essays and LinkedIn posts. In her first month, she landed two international clients, earning R1,600 via PayPal (converted to FNB).

By July 2025, Danielle was writing blog posts and social media captions for three local businesses, earning R6,000 to R12,000 per month. Some months, she topped R20,000 by taking on urgent projects. Her payment split: 60% via Fiverr/PayPal, 40% direct EFT and SnapScan from South African clients. The main struggle? Standing out among global freelancers and getting paid on time. She tackled this by focusing on South African clients, quick delivery, and joining Bloemfontein’s small business Facebook groups for referrals. She says, “Keep your promises, deliver early, and clients will come back.”

  1. Sign up on Fiverr or Upwork.
  2. Create a professional profile with past work or samples.
  3. Set competitive prices for your first gigs.
  4. Promote your services in local WhatsApp/Facebook groups.
  5. Link your Capitec/FNB account for PayPal withdrawals or get paid via SnapScan for SA clients.

Online Retail & Dropshipping: Thabo’s Pretoria Gadget Shop

Thabo Motau, a 34-year-old teacher in Pretoria, started his side hustle with R1,800 savings. He bought trending phone accessories in bulk from a local wholesaler and listed them on Yaga and Takealot. His first month, he sold 12 phone covers (R80 each) and five Bluetooth speakers, earning R1,360 after delivery fees. By focusing on reliable courier partners and customer feedback, Thabo’s monthly income now ranges from R4,000 during quiet months to over R14,000 during festive seasons.

He accepts payments via Yoco for in-person pop-ups, EFT for online buyers, and cash on delivery for trusted clients. His biggest headache? Scam buyers and courier delays. He solved this by insisting on proof of payment before shipping and using Takealot’s in-built payment protection. His tip: “Start small, focus on products you know, and get customer reviews. They make or break your shop.”

  1. Sign up on Takealot or Yaga.
  2. Buy stock in bulk or start with dropshipping via Shopify/WooCommerce.
  3. List clear photos, set fair prices, and write honest descriptions.
  4. Use WhatsApp and Facebook to market locally.
  5. Accept payments via Yoco, SnapScan, or cash on delivery.

Ride-Hailing & Delivery: Sipho’s Durban Bolt Earnings

Sipho Gumede from Durban North was tired of unreliable shifts as a security guard. In March 2025, he registered with Bolt using his cousin’s Toyota Etios. His first week, he made R1,200, mostly during evening peak hours. Within two months, Sipho was averaging R7,500 to R11,000 a month, driving during school runs, weekends, and late-night events. Payments came through Bolt’s weekly EFT to his TymeBank account, with instant cashouts via Capitec for emergencies.

Crime was a major concern, so Sipho only picks up at malls, schools, and business parks. He uses Bolt’s in-app safety features and shares his live location with family. Fuel price hikes and maintenance costs are always lurking, but he keeps expenses down by driving only at peak times and maintaining a strict “no cash” rule for safety. His advice? “Stay alert, know your city, and drive the busy times.”

  1. Download the Bolt or Uber app.
  2. Register your car and upload required documents.
  3. Set up your bank account for payouts (Capitec, TymeBank, FNB).
  4. Work peak hours for higher earnings.
  5. Use in-app safety features and avoid high-risk areas.

Social Media Content Creation: Lee-Anne’s Cape Town Momfluencer Journey

Lee-Anne Jacobs from Mitchells Plain started sharing parenting hacks and budget recipes on TikTok in late 2023. With just her phone and a R250 ring light, she built a following of 12,000 by mid-2024. By 2025, her monthly income from sponsored posts, TikTok Creator Fund, and small brand deals is R1,500 to R7,500, depending on campaign volume. She uses Capitec for payouts and SnapScan for local brand collaborations.

Her main hurdle was data costs and growing her audience. Lee-Anne kept costs low by shooting during the day (natural light) and sharing her content in local Facebook groups for moms. She stays authentic, only promoting brands she uses, which helps maintain trust. Her top tips: “Pick a niche, post consistently, and engage with your followers. SA brands want real, local voices.”

  1. Sign up on TikTok or YouTube.
  2. Pick a content theme you know and love.
  3. Post regularly and share in local Facebook/WhatsApp groups.
  4. Apply for TikTok Creator Fund or YouTube Partner Programme.
  5. Partner with local brands for paid collaborations.

Event Planning & Decor: Eric’s Gqeberha Party Profits

Eric Sondzaba, a 42-year-old father in Gqeberha, started helping friends with birthday parties during COVID. Realising the demand for affordable, stylish events, he launched “EZ Events” with just R1,500 for decor supplies and folding chairs. His first gig for a neighbour’s baby shower brought in R2,000. He now handles two to four events a month, averaging R3,000 to R10,000, especially during wedding and graduation season. Payments are split between EFT, cash, and Yoco swipes at events.

Transporting decor was a challenge, so Eric teamed up with a local bakkie owner for deliveries and pickups. He uses Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to advertise, and WhatsApp for client communications. His key: “Always have a backup plan and get at least 50% deposit upfront.”

  1. Build a small event decor kit (chairs, tablecloths, vases, etc.).
  2. Set up a Facebook or WhatsApp business page.
  3. Advertise on Gumtree and local Facebook groups.
  4. Offer competitive packages for birthdays, baby showers, and weddings.
  5. Use Yoco or EFT for secure payments; always get deposits.

SA Tips: Side Hustles for Mzansi

  • Join local WhatsApp and Facebook groups for networking and client referrals, search for side hustle, business, or area-specific groups.
  • Always insist on proof of payment before handing over goods or starting big projects. Use SnapScan, Yoco, or EFT for safer, trackable transactions.
  • Bulk-buy supplies with friends or group members to save costs, especially for food or retail hustles.
  • Promote your hustle locally using Gumtree, Snupit, and Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap advertising.
  • Learn from others, attend community entrepreneur workshops or online webinars advertised on Facebook or at local libraries.
  • When in doubt, ask Mzansi’s side hustlers are generous with advice; DM people you admire or ask questions in groups.
  • Keep clear records of income, expenses, and payments for side hustle tax time and to track your growth.

Before/After: Financial Impact

Before: Joseph’s monthly budget was tight, R7,800 for rent, groceries, taxi fare, and data, with nothing left for savings or emergencies.

After: With R9,000 extra from tutoring, Joseph’s new budget is R13,250: rent (R2,800), groceries (R2,400), taxi fare (R800), data (R500), savings (R2,000), family support (R1,000), and still R3,750 for emergencies or future investments. The pressure is off, and for the first time, he’s planning a December holiday for his family.

Conclusion

Making real money on the side in South Africa isn’t a dream, it’s happening right now, in your city, your street, your WhatsApp group. Whether you’re hus

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