50 Side Hustle Ideas in South Africa That Work

Tired of relying on one income stream to get by? You’re not alone. More South Africans are turning to side hustles, small, flexible business ideas that help you earn more, explore your passions, and build toward financial freedom.

In today’s fast-paced economy, depending on a single job can be risky. Side hustles offer flexibility, skill-building, and the chance to make extra cash without needing a massive upfront investment or quitting your day job.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 50 cheap side hustle ideas you can launch right here in South Africa, all low-risk, practical, and tailored to our local hustle culture.

Home-based side hustles

These ideas are perfect if you’re starting with limited time, space, or capital. For even more inspiration, check out our guide to home business ideas in South Africa.

1. House Cleaning

If you’re detail-oriented and love a tidy space, residential cleaning is one of the easiest side hustles to start. You can begin by offering services in your neighbourhood using only basic supplies like cloths, buckets, and affordable cleaning products. Word-of-mouth referrals go a long way in this gig, especially in complexes and estates. Many households in South Africa are looking for reliable part-time help, and once you gain trust, you can expand by hiring others or offering specialised services like deep cleaning or post-event clean-ups. It’s a low-cost business idea that fits well into a flexible lifestyle.

2. Laundry Services

Running a laundry service from home is a practical way to make money in South Africa, particularly in urban areas where people are short on time. If you already own a washing machine and iron, you have the basic tools to get started. You can charge per item or per load and offer extras like folding, ironing, or delivery. To stand out, promote your hustle on local WhatsApp groups or Facebook Marketplace. It’s a flexible income opportunity with repeat customers, especially for busy families or students living in apartments with no laundry access.

3. Gardening & Landscaping

If you enjoy working outdoors and have a green thumb, garden maintenance can bloom into a reliable side hustle. Many homeowners and small businesses need help with lawn mowing, weeding, trimming, and planting,especially during the summer months. You can start with basic garden tools and offer your services to neighbours, schools, or churches. This is a great seasonal side business that requires low capital to start but offers plenty of growth potential through word-of-mouth and recurring clients. Add services like composting or organic gardening for a niche edge.

4. Home Décor Styling

Interior styling is a creative and fun way to make money from home, especially if you’ve got a knack for design trends and a flair for colour. Many South Africans want help refreshing their homes without hiring a full-blown interior designer. You could offer affordable room makeovers, furniture rearrangement, or décor consultations. Use Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your work and attract attention. Start by offering your services to friends and family, then build a portfolio. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a side hustle idea that blends art and entrepreneurship.

5. Window Cleaning

This often-overlooked side hustle offers surprisingly steady income with very low startup costs. All you need is a sturdy squeegee, microfiber cloths, and basic cleaning solution. Target complexes, small businesses, or homes with hard-to-reach windows. Window cleaning is in demand in both residential and retail spaces, especially in busy townships and suburbs. Start small and scale as you grow your client base. It's one of the simplest ways to make extra money on weekends, and it’s also a niche few people think to monetise.

6. Car Wash Service

Starting a mobile car wash is a popular hustle across South Africa because it’s affordable and easy to scale. All you need is water access, a few cleaning supplies, and some marketing hustle. You can operate from your driveway, offer callouts, or set up shop in a busy parking lot with permission. Many customers prefer home car washes for the convenience. If you want to accept payments on the go, consider using a card machine like the iK Flyer Lite, which is ideal for mobile or home-based businesses.

7. Babysitting

If you’re responsible, nurturing, and good with kids, babysitting offers a consistent and rewarding way to earn extra income. Many parents are in need of occasional childcare during evenings, weekends, or school holidays. Start with family or friends and grow your business by promoting your services in community groups. You can eventually offer tutoring, meal prep, or enrichment activities for older children. Babysitting is not only a flexible job, it’s also a trusted side hustle idea with the potential to grow into a full-time childminding business.

8. Pet & House Sitting

This side hustle combines pet care and home monitoring, making it perfect for animal lovers or people with flexible schedules. While owners are away, you can walk pets, feed them, water plants, or simply keep their home secure. These services are especially useful during school holidays or long weekends. Advertise on pet-focused platforms or through local community pages. You don’t need a qualification, just reliability and a genuine love for animals. It’s one of the most accessible ways to earn money without needing much startup capital.

9. Dog Grooming Services

Dog grooming is an ideal home-based business if you love animals and enjoy hands-on work. With a few basic grooming tools ,brushes, shampoo, clippers, you can offer baths, nail trims, or fur brushing from your home or as a mobile service. Many South Africans are looking for affordable, local alternatives to pet salons, especially in townships or areas far from vet clinics. Promote your services through flyers, local vets, or WhatsApp community groups. It's a niche, high-demand service with great potential for repeat business.

10. Home-Based Call Centre

Got a laptop, headset, and good Wi-Fi? Start a home-based virtual assistant or call centre hustle. Many small businesses need help with customer support, appointment setting, or sales follow-ups. You can work part-time or after-hours, and even service international clients. The gig economy in South Africa is growing, and remote customer service is in demand. Sites like Upwork or OfferZen can help you find entry-level contracts. If you’re organised and have strong communication skills, this hustle lets you earn from home with minimal cost.

Personal service side hustles

These skill-based hustles let you turn your natural abilities into profitable services.

11. Personal Stylist

If you have an eye for fashion and know how to put together a great outfit, styling could be your calling. Personal stylists are becoming more in demand as people seek help curating outfits for weddings, photoshoots, or corporate events. This is a perfect part-time side hustle if you love shopping or trendspotting. Use Instagram or TikTok to showcase before-and-after looks, create seasonal styling reels, or review local brands. As your network grows, consider charging for wardrobe audits or personal shopping sessions. It’s a stylish way to monetise your flair with little startup cost.

12. Fashion Design & Tailoring

If you’re handy with a sewing machine and have a unique sense of style, fashion design or tailoring is a rewarding side hustle that allows you to get creative. South Africans love custom pieces, whether it’s for church, weddings, or cultural celebrations, and many are looking for reliable local tailors. Offer basic services like hemming and resizing to start, then expand into bespoke outfits or collections. You can even specialise in children’s clothing or uniforms. With social media as your portfolio, this side hustle can easily grow into a thriving fashion business.

13. Hair Stylist (Home-Based)

Hair styling never goes out of style. If you’re already doing your friends’ hair for fun, it’s time to charge for your time and talent. Whether it’s braids, wigs, relaxers, or curls, you can work from home or offer mobile services to clients in your community. It’s one of the most in-demand informal economy jobs in South Africa. Stock up on basic tools and create a simple price list. Many stylists promote their work on Instagram or TikTok using short transformation videos. This is a hustle where good word-of-mouth travels fast.

14. Makeup Artist

If you’ve mastered eyeliner wings and contouring, turn your makeup skills into a service-based hustle. Many South Africans book makeup artists for weddings, birthdays, graduations, or content creation. Start by offering affordable packages and build a portfolio through Instagram. You can run this side hustle on evenings and weekends, making it easy to keep your day job. With basic products and good lighting, you can even offer tutorials or virtual consults. It’s a flexible, high-demand service that thrives on great reviews and consistent branding.

15. Nail Technician

Creative with nail art? Becoming a nail tech is a fun, lucrative way to express your artistry while earning money. Start with gel or acrylic sets from home, and gradually expand your services to include manicures, pedicures, and nail repairs. This hustle works especially well if you’re in a high-traffic area, but even from your lounge, you can build a loyal client base. It’s a perfect startup-friendly idea with high return, especially when paired with social media marketing. Invest in good tools and hygiene, and your hustle will speak for itself.

16. Freelance Masseuse

Massage therapy is always in demand, especially in urban centres where stress and tension are part of everyday life. If you’ve done a massage course or have hands-on experience, offer your services from home or as a mobile masseuse. Focus on specific offerings like Swedish massage, sports massage, or pregnancy massage. You can build a steady client base from offices, gyms, or retirement communities. This hustle promotes wellness, has high repeat value, and can be run part-time with little equipment, just oils, towels, and a massage table.

17. Personal Trainer

If you’re passionate about fitness, why not help others reach their health goals while making money? As a personal trainer, you can offer private sessions at home, in the park, or virtually via Zoom. Many clients prefer one-on-one coaching over crowded gyms. To boost credibility, complete a recognised personal training course. Then promote your services on Instagram, TikTok, or even through your local gym. This hustle aligns perfectly with South Africa’s growing wellness trend and can lead to group bootcamps, nutrition coaching, or full-time fitness entrepreneurship.

18. Event Decor Setup

If you’re a natural organiser and love turning spaces into something magical, event styling might be your perfect hustle. Start by offering décor setup for birthdays, baby showers, or small weddings. This side hustle doesn’t require a massive budget, just creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to work under pressure. Build your portfolio through photos, create packages, and promote your services on Facebook Marketplace. With consistent quality and referrals, you can grow into full event planning over time.

19. Growing Seedlings

Got space in your garden? Consider growing and selling seedlings, herbs, veggies, or indigenous plants, to community members, markets, or local shops. Seedlings are easy to grow and offer a fast return on investment. You can start small with just a few trays and expand as demand grows. As more South Africans explore food sustainability and home gardening, your seedlings can cater to a growing niche. Bonus: it’s therapeutic work that pays you back in fresh air and profits.

20. Airbnb Hosting

If you have a spare room or separate entrance, Airbnb is a great way to earn passive income without major overhead. Whether you’re in a city centre, coastal town, or near a university, there’s demand for short-term stays. Guests appreciate local, authentic experiences,and you can offer that with basic hospitality and a clean space. Invest in good bedding, reliable Wi-Fi, and friendly communication. Use the Airbnb platform to handle payments and bookings. This is a great hustle for homeowners or renters with permission from their landlords.

Products & services side hustles

21. Selling Seedlings

With South Africans becoming more sustainability-conscious, growing and selling seedlings is a rewarding and eco-friendly side hustle. It’s perfect for those with limited garden space and low startup costs. All you need are trays, soil, seeds, and a sunny area. Focus on herbs, spinach, tomatoes, and other fast-growing vegetables. Once sprouted, you can sell them to neighbours, local markets, or via social media platforms. This hustle works particularly well in townships, complexes, or small towns where people want to grow their own food but lack time or know-how.

22. Airbnb Hosting

Have a spare room or backyard cottage? Turn it into a source of passive income by listing it on Airbnb. Local and international travel is picking up again, and visitors often prefer affordable, homey places over hotels. Clean, photograph, and describe your space honestly, then set competitive prices. You can earn more by offering extras like breakfast, airport transport, or local tips. This hustle is great for people who enjoy hosting and want to meet new people. Plus, Airbnb payments are automated, which means you earn while you sleep.

23. Online Teaching or Tutoring

Remote learning is here to stay, and online teaching offers a flexible way to earn from home. If you’re fluent in English or have expertise in subjects like Maths or Science, there’s a growing demand for virtual tutors. Platforms like Preply or Teach Me 2 connect tutors with South African and international students. All you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet space. You can also create your own courses or offer Zoom classes in music, art, or coding. This side hustle allows you to teach when it suits you while helping others learn and grow.

24. Photography & Videography

Have a knack for capturing the perfect shot? Photography and videography are popular freelance side hustles in South Africa. Whether it’s birthdays, weddings, or corporate shoots, clients are always looking for talented, affordable content creators. You can start with basic gear and upgrade as you go. Focus on a niche like portraits, drone footage, or short-form social content. Post your work on Instagram and tag clients to grow your reach. This hustle lets you build a portfolio and potentially expand into passive income through digital downloads or stock footage platforms.

25. Delivery Services

With food delivery and ecommerce booming, local delivery services are in high demand. You don’t need a fleet of vehicles – even a reliable scooter or bicycle will do in urban areas. Offer to deliver groceries, fast food, packages, or online orders for small businesses. Use WhatsApp groups or Gumtree to promote your services. Many older or busy residents are happy to pay for quick, local errands. This hustle can run after hours or on weekends, making it perfect if you already have a full-time job. Bonus: fuel-efficient transport means higher profit margins.

26. Web Design Services

Every business needs a website, and if you can build beautiful, functional sites, you’ve got a sellable skill. Web design is a top-tier digital side hustle in South Africa, especially with more businesses going online. Learn tools like WordPress, Webflow, or Shopify, then market your services to small brands or startups. Offer packages that include design, hosting, and maintenance. To boost income, upsell add-ons like email signups or SEO. If your client wants to take online payments, recommend the iKhokha Payment Gateway for a seamless checkout experience that boosts conversions.

27. Buying & Reselling Products

One of the oldest hustles in the book – and still one of the most profitable. Find products at a discount or in bulk (think cosmetics, kitchenware, clothing, or electronics), then resell them for a profit. You can start small with Takealot, Yaga, or Facebook Marketplace. The key is to identify trending items or everyday essentials. This hustle suits anyone with basic sales instincts and good customer service. Over time, you can turn it into an ecommerce business with a personal brand and online store.

28. Baking from Home

If your oven is your happy place, baking can be a fulfilling and profitable hustle. Think cakes, cookies, scones, or custom cupcakes for birthdays and events. Start by selling to neighbours, friends, or church groups. Share mouth-watering photos on social media to attract orders. With low startup costs and word-of-mouth potential, baking is one of the easiest food businesses to start. You can expand by offering delivery or pre-orders for holidays. For pop-up markets or larger orders, consider using the iK Flyer to take fast, secure card payments from customers.

29. Catering for Events

South Africans love a good celebration – and that means good food. Catering lets you earn by preparing meals for birthdays, weddings, or corporate events. Start with small gigs and grow your menu as you gain experience. You don’t need a fancy kitchen – just consistency, planning, and flavour. Offer packages for different budgets or dietary needs (vegan, Halaal, etc.) and promote yourself through referrals or foodie groups. This side hustle can become a full-fledged business if you’re passionate about cooking and can manage logistics.

30. Boerewors Stand

A classic South African hustle that still works today. All you need is a small grill, quality wors, fresh buns, and a spot with good foot traffic – think taxi ranks, school sports days, or local events. Keep it simple: wors rolls with optional sauces and maybe a cold drink. Your startup cost is low, and your margins can be great. Make sure to get the right permits, and offer contactless payments to appeal to more customers. This hustle combines food, people, and instant sales – perfect for sociable go-getters.

31. DJing

If you love music and know how to read a crowd, DJing is an exciting and profitable side hustle. Start by investing in a controller and free mixing software, then practice at home or for friends. Offer your services at birthday parties, weddings, or local bars. Build a presence on TikTok, Instagram, or SoundCloud to show off your style. Weekend gigs mean you can keep your day job while building your name. As your reputation grows, you can increase your rates and explore corporate events or festivals.

32. Personal Grocery Shopper

Many people, especially the elderly or busy professionals, prefer someone else to handle their shopping. Offer personal grocery shopping services where you buy and deliver items based on a client’s list. Charge a flat fee or percentage of the bill. Use WhatsApp to confirm preferences or send photos while in-store. You don’t need a website – just reliability and good communication. It’s especially helpful in areas without strong delivery infrastructure and can expand through word of mouth.

33. Car Branding for Passive Income

Turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard. Some companies will pay you monthly to wrap your car in branded decals. This passive hustle doesn’t require any extra effort once installed. Make sure your car is well-maintained and that you drive regularly through high-traffic areas. While you won't make a fortune, it's a great way to supplement fuel or maintenance costs. Look for trusted providers that verify campaigns and offer tracking tools.

34. Custom Gift Packaging

If you have an eye for design, custom gift packaging is a creative hustle with low overheads. Offer custom wraps, boxes, and labels for birthdays, baby showers, or corporate gifting. Use recycled materials or uniquely South African themes for a local touch. Sell through Instagram or local markets, or partner with florists or bakeries. With the rise of handmade and personalised products, packaging matters more than ever.

35. Handmade Greeting Cards

Even in a digital world, handmade cards still make an impact. Use quality cardstock, calligraphy, or watercolour techniques to create cards for birthdays, weddings, and holidays. You can sell them online, at local craft markets, or through gift stores. This side hustle works well as a weekend project and allows you to get creative while building a brand. Promote your creations with styled photos on Instagram or Etsy.

36. Organic Soap & Lotion Making

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural, eco-friendly products. If you’re interested in skincare and wellness, start creating artisanal soaps or body lotions from home. Use ingredients like shea butter, rooibos extract, or lavender oil. Sell at local markets, online shops, or to boutiques. Focus on unique scents or skin-specific solutions like eczema or dry skin relief. It’s a great hustle for those who enjoy experimenting and crafting.

37. Dance Fitness Instructor

Combine fitness and fun by teaching dance-based workouts like Zumba, amapiano-inspired cardio, or kids’ movement classes. You can host sessions in community halls, parks, or online via Zoom. This side hustle is great if you have energy, rhythm, and a passion for health. As demand grows, branch out into private lessons, team-building sessions, or themed dance nights. Promote your vibe through short-form videos and testimonials.

38. Matchmaking or Speed Dating Host

Online dating isn’t for everyone, which is why in-person events are making a comeback. If you enjoy social events, host small-scale speed dating nights or curated matchups. Focus on niche groups like professionals, single parents, or language communities. Charge entry fees and partner with local venues. The key is curation – make your events safe, fun, and well-organised. It’s a great side hustle for extroverts and event planners.

39. Ride-Hailing with Uber or Bolt

If you have a reliable vehicle and free time, driving for platforms like Uber or Bolt can help you earn on your own schedule. Use it during peak hours to maximise profit – think school runs, payday weekends, or evening events. Factor in maintenance, fuel, and wear-and-tear costs to make it worthwhile. Great for students or anyone looking for consistent, low-barrier extra income.

40. Tutoring (Online or In-Person)

Whether you excel at Maths, English, or Accounting, tutoring can be a steady and rewarding side hustle. Offer lessons in person or online through Zoom, depending on your audience. Create a basic website or use platforms like TeachMe2 to find clients. You can specialise in school exam prep, university modules, or adult skills like CV writing. If you build trust and deliver results, referrals will keep you fully booked.

Digital & remote hustles

41. Start an Ecommerce Side Business

Ecommerce is booming in South Africa, and starting your own online store is more accessible than ever. Sell handmade products, curated imports, or dropshipped goods through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Focus on a niche – whether it’s pet supplies, health products, or local crafts. Social media and WhatsApp Business are powerful tools to market your offering. For seamless online payments, integrate the iKhokha Payment Gateway to give customers a smooth checkout experience. With low overheads and scalable potential, ecommerce is ideal for building a passive income stream.

42. Event Planning

If you're highly organised and love coordinating, event planning can turn into a rewarding side hustle. Specialise in birthdays, baby showers, weddings, or corporate events. Start by helping friends and family before promoting your services on social media. Attention to detail, strong vendor contacts, and budgeting skills are key. Use Pinterest boards or a digital portfolio to showcase your work. Event planning is in high demand, especially for clients who want stress-free occasions with a personal touch.

43. Local Niche Newsletters

Build a hyper-local or interest-based newsletter tailored to a specific audience – like small business owners in Durban or eco-conscious moms in Gauteng. Use platforms like Substack or Mailchimp to get started, then grow your email list through WhatsApp, Facebook Groups, or local communities. You can monetise through sponsored posts, affiliate products, or classifieds. Keep your newsletter valuable with job alerts, upcoming events, or business spotlights. It’s a clever content-based hustle that doesn’t require much more than consistency and writing skills.

44. Freelance Content Writing

If you enjoy writing and have a flair for storytelling, freelance content creation is a profitable online hustle. Offer blog writing, SEO articles, social media copy, or newsletters for small businesses. South African brands are constantly looking for writers who understand local audiences and trends. Start by creating a portfolio using LinkedIn or a free blog, and pitch your services to marketing agencies, startups, or ecommerce platforms. This hustle offers flexible hours, remote work, and recurring income if you build a client base.

45. Freelance Graphic Design

Graphic design is a high-demand skill in the digital economy. If you're trained in Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Figma, offer design services for social media posts, logos, menus, and business cards. Target local businesses, side hustlers, or NGOs needing a brand refresh. You can find gigs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even through Facebook groups. Pairing strong visual design with local relevance can set you apart in a saturated market.

46. Freelance Editing and Proofreading

If you’ve got a sharp eye for grammar and clarity, editing and proofreading can be a great remote hustle. Offer services to university students, small businesses, or content creators who need help polishing their work. You don’t need expensive software – just Google Docs and Grammarly to start. Highlight your attention to detail and turnaround time. As AI-generated content grows, demand for human editors is only increasing.

47. Team Building Workshop Facilitator

Use your leadership skills to offer energising, purposeful team building sessions for local businesses. Create fun, low-cost activities that boost collaboration – from outdoor challenges to communication workshops. You can charge per event and partner with venues or HR consultants. If you're comfortable presenting and have creative ideas, this is a rewarding hustle for corporate engagement. Position yourself as a “culture coach” and market through LinkedIn or B2B events.

48. HR & Rewards Consultant

If you’re in human resources, you can offer your expertise to startups or SMEs needing help with employee rewards, onboarding, or retention strategies. Design incentive structures, create training manuals, or run remote HR audits. This side hustle is ideal for experienced professionals looking to monetise their know-how. Work flexibly and remotely, and charge per project or consultation hour. It’s especially helpful to businesses that can’t yet afford a full-time HR team.

49. Online Microtasking

Microtasking involves completing small digital jobs like transcriptions, data categorisation, or AI training tasks. Websites like Remotasks, Clickworker, and Toloka offer flexible, remote gigs that pay per task. While the pay may not be huge, it adds up if you’re consistent. It’s a good fit for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone needing extra income with no special skills. All you need is a computer, time, and a stable internet connection.

50. Voiceover Work in Local Languages

If you’re multilingual, offer your voice for audio ads, YouTube explainers, or app tutorials. There’s growing demand for South African accents and indigenous languages like isiZulu, Sesotho, or Afrikaans. All you need is a USB microphone and basic editing tools like Audacity. Create demo clips and share them on freelancing sites or with local content creators. This hustle is perfect if you love storytelling or want to earn from home with a bit of personality.

How iKhokha can help power your hustle

So, you’ve just explored 50 practical and affordable side hustle ideas in South Africa. From home-based gigs to digital services and everything in between, these ideas prove that you don’t need a lot of money to start something meaningful. What matters most is consistency, creativity, and the willingness to start small and scale smart.

If you're serious about turning your hustle into a long-term business, begin by treating it professionally: track your income and expenses, register your company, and build a strong digital presence. Consider learning more about how to register a business in South Africa to set up correctly from the get-go.

If you're selling from your stoep, side-hustling online, or offering services around your neighbourhood, iKhokha can help you grow faster. We offer easy-to-use payment solutions, digital tools, and expert guidance to help South African entrepreneurs thrive.

Power your side hustle with the iK Flyer

No matter if you're grooming pets, baking cakes, selling online, or running events, the iK Flyer is built to support your business hustle. It’s a smart, wireless card machine that prints receipts, tracks your sales, and keeps your side gig running smoothly, whether you’re in your kitchen or out at a market.