30 Low-Cost Business Ideas with High Profit 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.

But here's what you should know, 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

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

30 Low cost business ideas you can start in Mzansi

1. Content Creation

TikTok, YouTube and blogging aren’t just hobbies anymore, they’re platforms that pay. Brands need fresh voices to tell stories that resonate with real people. If you’ve got personality, consistency and a phone with a decent camera, you can start today. Focus on one niche, post often and turn your creativity into a brand.

Most local businesses know they should be on social media but have no clue how to post or grow. That’s your gap. Offer to create posts, manage their pages and engage with customers. You can charge per post or per month. Tools like Canva and Meta Business Suite make it easy to stay organised.

3. Digital Marketing Services

Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing freelance fields. Small businesses are always looking for someone who can help them reach more people and make more sales. Learn the basics of Facebook Ads, email marketing, or SEO through free online courses, then offer your services to local brands that want to grow online.

4. Graphic Design

Design flyers, logos, menus, or social media content using free tools like Canva. Many small business owners need professional-looking visuals but can’t afford agencies. If you’ve got an eye for layout and colour, you can build a steady client base fast. Start by designing for friends, then grow through referrals.

5. Photography & Editing

You don’t need a professional camera to start earning. Your phone can capture product photos, portraits, or events. Learn a few editing tricks using apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile. You can also offer photo-touch-up services to people who need content for their business pages.

6. Freelance Writing

Writing is still one of the simplest ways to earn online. From blog posts and newsletters to website copy or CVs, people pay for clear, engaging words. You can find clients through LinkedIn or freelance platforms. The more you write, the more you’ll learn how to price and package your work.

7. Proofreading & Editing

If you have an eye for detail, this is your space. Many students and small business owners need their documents, proposals, or ebooks polished. Offer to review and correct spelling, grammar and formatting. It’s simple, flexible work that builds trust and repeat clients.

8. Data Entry

Companies moving from paper to digital need help transferring their information. If you can type quickly and accurately, offer to handle their data entry. It’s a good way to earn remotely and build admin experience, all you need is a laptop and reliable internet.

9. Language Translation

South Africa’s diversity is your advantage. If you speak more than one local language, you can help bridge communication gaps. Translate marketing materials, subtitles, or legal documents. You can even offer your services to NGOs and government departments that work across multiple languages.

10. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commission by promoting other people’s products. Share links on social media, WhatsApp, or your blog, every sale that comes through your link earns you money. Pick products that fit your audience and track your results through affiliate dashboards.

11. Reviewer (Food, Books, Products)

If you enjoy trying new things, this can become a steady stream of content and income. Start reviewing local restaurants, products, or books on TikTok or YouTube. As your following grows, reach out to brands for collaborations or sponsored reviews. Authentic opinions attract loyal audiences.

12. Virtual Assistant

More entrepreneurs are outsourcing admin tasks like scheduling, responding to emails and managing customer queries. As a virtual assistant, you can do all of that from home. It’s flexible, pays well and scales easily once you take on more clients.

13. Concierge Services

Some people are too busy to run errands or make bookings. Step in as their go-to helper. Offer services like event coordination, travel bookings, or shopping assistance. You can charge per task or create monthly packages. Great service equals loyal clients.

14. Event Planning

Good at organising and staying calm under pressure? Use it. Look into smaller events like birthdays, baby showers, or community gatherings. Document your work with photos and testimonials and word-of-mouth will grow your bookings. As you expand, you can partner with caterers or decor suppliers.

15. Home & Wardrobe Organising

If you love order and aesthetics, offer to help people declutter and organise their homes. Cupboards, garages and pantries are great starting points. Take before-and-after photos for social proof. This niche is growing, especially among busy professionals and new homeowners.

16. Personal Chef or Meal Prep

Do you love cooking but don’t want a full restaurant? Why not offer weekly meal prep or small catering for events. Focus on simple, healthy dishes people can reheat easily. Use social media to post menus and gather orders. It’s a great way to turn a passion into a business.

17. Online Wellness Coach

If you’re qualified in fitness, nutrition, or mindfulness, offer online sessions through Zoom or social media. Create basic packages for workouts or meal plans and expand as demand grows. People appreciate local coaches who understand their lifestyle and culture.

18. Online Tutoring

Education is always in demand. Offer lessons in subjects you’re good at, from maths and English to music or coding. Use your phone or laptop for virtual sessions. Parents love affordable, trustworthy tutors and referrals spread quickly.

19. Bookkeeping

If you’re good with numbers, small businesses need you. Offer to manage invoices, expenses and reports using tools like Wave or Excel. It’s practical work that builds trust and often turns into ongoing contracts. Accuracy and professionalism go a long way here.

20. Babysitting or Pet Sitting

Busy families need reliable help. Offer babysitting or pet-sitting services to people you know first, then expand through word of mouth. Keep communication open, be punctual and you’ll soon be the go-to person in your area.

21. Pet Grooming or Dog Walking

Pet parents are willing to pay for convenience. You can start a walking or grooming business if you like animals. All you need is basic equipment and time. Take photos of happy pets and share them online to attract new clients.

22. Garden & Yard Maintenance

A little hard work and a few tools can go a long way. Offer lawn mowing, weeding, or small landscaping jobs. Focus on reliability and neat results, that’s what keeps clients calling back. Add recycling or composting to stand out from competitors.

23. Cleaning Services

Cleaning is always in demand. Start with homes locally and work your way up to offices or Airbnb rooms. Bring your own supplies or use what clients have. A friendly attitude and consistency can turn this into a full-time business fast.

24. Car Wash (Mobile or Driveway Setup)

You can start with a bucket, some soap, and effort. Offer mobile car wash services or set up in your driveway. Focus on customer service, a smile, quick turnaround, and good results get people coming back. Cash flow starts almost immediately.

25. Delivery Services

If you own a scooter or car, partner with local shops, restaurants, or online sellers who need deliveries. You can also create your own community delivery network. Begin locally, gain credibility, and grow from there.

26. Domain Flipping

This is a digital hustle that costs little but can pay big. Buy catchy website names (for example, kasiweddings.co.za) and resell them for a profit. Use domain marketplaces to list them. It’s speculative, but one good sale can cover your costs many times over.

27. Dropshipping

Set up an online store and sell products directly from suppliers without holding stock. You manage the website and marketing; your supplier handles delivery. Focus on a specific niche and good customer service. Shopify or WooCommerce make this simple to set up.

28. Rent Out Storage Space

Have extra space in your garage or spare room? Offer it as storage for neighbours who need a place to keep boxes or furniture. It’s passive income that requires almost no effort once you set clear terms and safety rules.

29. Amazon Seller (via FBA)

If you’re comfortable with e-commerce, Amazon’s Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) lets you sell products while Amazon handles packaging and delivery. You can source items locally or online. Learn the ropes, start small, and gradually increase your inventory.

30. Write a Book or Ebook

Everyone has a story or skill to share. Write yours and self-publish online. It could be a how-to guide, a collection of recipes, or your life lessons. Platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy and your book can earn income long after it’s released.

Turn your low cost business idea into something real

Found something that sparked an idea? Good. Now it’s time to make it happen!

Remember to start with the basics, get your business registered, set up how you’ll get paid and keep things simple.

Our How to Start a Business in South Africa guide can help you take those first few steps.

When you’re ready to take payments or move online, iKhokha’s tools make it easy to do business from anywhere.

You don’t need to quit your job or have everything mapped out. You just need to start. One small step, one sale, one customer at a time, that’s how every business grows.