30 Low-Cost Business Ideas for South Africans

So, you want to start a business. You’ve got the drive, the hustle and maybe even the perfect name. But one thing’s standing in your way: capital.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive budget to become your own boss. In fact, some of the most successful businesses in South Africa today started with little more than a smartphone and a solid plan.

We’ve rounded up 30 low cost business ideas with high profit potential you can launch with what you’ve got right now.

Already know what business you want to start? Jump straight to our guide on How to Start a Business in South Africa for the next steps.

Why Choose a Low Cost Business?

Not everyone has a rich uncle or investor on standby. And with rising costs and high unemployment, South Africans are finding smart ways to earn with what they have, from side hustles in the township to digital gigs in the suburbs.

Low-cost businesses are:

Affordable to launch
Flexible to run
Scalable as you grow

Whether you’re looking to earn part-time or build a full-time empire, these ideas are built to suit the South African hustle.

30 Low Cost Business Ideas You Can Start in Mzansi

1. Content Creation

Whether it’s TikTok, YouTube, or blogging, brands are paying creators to tell stories, create buzz, and reach audiences.

Help local businesses grow on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. Many small shops and startups have no clue where to begin, you could be the plug.

3. Digital Marketing Services

From running Facebook Ads to managing email campaigns, small businesses will pay for digital skills that drive sales.

4. Graphic Design

Design flyers, logos, CVs or menus using free or low-cost tools like Canva. Ideal for creatives!

5. Photography & Editing

You don’t need a fancy camera, your phone can do the job. Events, portraits, even editing other people’s photos = cash.

6. Freelance Writing

Write blog posts, social media content, CVs or press releases. If you love words, there’s a market waiting.

7. Proofreading & Editing

If typos make your skin crawl, offer to clean up student assignments, business proposals, or ebooks.

8. Data Entry

Accurate typing and attention to detail? Offer remote data entry to small businesses moving from paper to digital.

9. Language Translation

SA is full of languages, turn your bilingual skills into a side hustle by translating content or conversations.

10. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products online and earn a cut when someone buys. You don’t need to make the product, just market it.

11. Reviewer (Food, Books, Products)

Share your opinion and get paid. Start on TikTok or YouTube, then reach out to brands for paid reviews.

12. Virtual Assistant

Manage admin, bookings, or emails for entrepreneurs or even international clients right from your couch.

13. Concierge Services

From travel bookings to gift shopping, help busy professionals get things done and charge per task.

14. Event Planning

Help plan birthdays, weddings or baby showers. Start with friends and grow through referrals.

15. Home & Wardrobe Organising

If you’re a neat freak, help others organise their cupboards, garages or pantries—for a fee.

16. Personal Chef or Meal Prep

Love cooking? Offer meal services to busy professionals or cater small events.

17. Online Wellness Coach

If you’re certified, offer Zoom fitness classes, meal plans, or mental wellness check-ins.

18. Online Tutoring

Teach languages, maths, music or coding. This is great for varsity students or educators.

19. Bookkeeping

If numbers are your strength, help local businesses manage their books and invoices.

20. Babysitting or Pet Sitting

Offer reliable babysitting or pet sitting services to neighbours or family friends.

21. Pet Grooming or Dog Walking

Pet lovers will pay to have someone care for their four-legged friends during work hours.

22. Garden & Yard Maintenance

Mow lawns, plant veggies or clean yards. If you’ve got the tools (or can borrow them), you’re ready.

23. Cleaning Services

Start with homes, then move to offices or Airbnbs. Hire friends when you need to grow.

24. Car Wash (Mobile or Driveway Setup)

No fancy setup needed, just water, cleaning products and good vibes.

25. Delivery Services

Got a scooter or car? Deliver for online stores, food joints, or local spaza shops.

26. Domain Flipping

Buy catchy website names (like kasiweddings.co.za) and sell them for profit.

27. Dropshipping

Sell products online without keeping stock. You manage the shop; your supplier handles delivery.

28. Rent Out Storage Space

Have extra space in your garage? Rent it out as storage in your neighbourhood.

29. Amazon Seller (via FBA)

Sell on Amazon without shipping anything yourself.

30. Write a Book or Ebook

Share your story or expertise and sell your book online—on Kindle or your own site.

What’s Next?

Found your business idea? Then it’s time to turn that hustle into a real operation.

Head over to our step-by-step guide on How to Start a Business in South Africa for everything from registering your business to getting paid.

Need to accept card payments or sell online? Check out iKhokha’s affordable payment solutions made for small South African businesses like yours.

You’ve Got This

Starting a business doesn’t have to mean quitting your job, emptying your bank account, or having everything figured out. You just need the courage to begin and the right tools along the way.

Whether you’re side-hustling from a room in Soweto, freelancing in Durban, or testing ideas online from your backyard in Khayelitsha, this is your sign to start.

Because if not now, when?