50 Side Hustle Ideas to Kick-Start Your Hustle in South Africa

If the month ends before the money does, a side hustle can help. Plenty of South Africans are adding a side hustle to the mix, not because it’s trendy, but because one income doesn’t always stretch. A little extra money can cover the petrol, school costs, or those surprise expenses that show up mid-month.

In this guide, a side hustle means something you can do part-time, with low upfront cost, without quitting your day job. If it needs big equipment, lots of stock, or full-time hours, it’s probably a small business idea, not a side hustle.

Below are 50 side hustle ideas you can start in South Africa, practical options that fit real schedules and real wallets.

Side hustles you can start with what you already have

If you’re starting with limited time, space, or cash, keep it simple. The easiest hustles are usually the ones that use what you already have, your skills, your weekends, and a routine you can stick to. If you’re balancing a side hustle and a full-time job, the goal is consistency, not doing everything at once.

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 add add-ons 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 hustle 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, microfibre 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 with a few regulars, then add more slots as you can. 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 hustle by promoting your services in community groups. You can eventually offer tutoring, meal prep, or enrichment activities for older children. Babysitting is flexible, trusted, and often turns into steady repeat work once parents know they can rely on you

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 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. You can pick up entry-level contracts through platforms like Upwork, or through local referrals once you’ve done a few solid jobs.

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. Microgreens and fresh herb bundles

Microgreens are one of those underrated hustles that feel small at first, then turn into steady repeat orders. You can grow them in trays in a sunny corner, on a balcony, or near a window, and they’re ready fast, often within 7 to 14 days. Start with popular options like sunflower, pea shoots, basil and coriander, then sell in small punnets or bundles. Your first customers can be neighbours, home cooks, local cafés, or anyone trying to eat healthier without paying deli prices. Keep your packaging simple and clean, and use WhatsApp to take pre-orders so you’re not growing without demand. If load shedding is a factor, choose hardy varieties and keep your watering schedule consistent. This hustle works well because it’s repeatable and easy to fit around a day job.

20. Airbnb Hosting

If you have a spare room or separate entrance, Airbnb is a a great way to earn extra income from space you’re not using without major overhead. No matter if 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. Clothing alterations and quick fixes

Not everyone needs a tailor, but plenty of people need a quick fix. Think hems, buttons, zip replacements, school uniform adjustments, simple resizing, and patching. If you can sew by hand or you’ve got access to a basic sewing machine, this is one of the easiest services to start on evenings and weekends. Your first customers are usually neighbours, parents at school, people in your complex, or anyone who needs something sorted before work on Monday. Keep your pricing simple, per item, and build trust through reliability and neat work. A WhatsApp booking list helps a lot here, especially if you set pickup and drop-off times that fit around your day job.

22. Sneaker and shoe cleaning

Sneaker culture is huge in SA, and people will pay to keep their shoes looking fresh, especially if they don’t trust a normal wash cycle. You can start with a basic kit, soft brushes, microfibre cloths, gentle soap, and a decent spray for finishing. Offer a few simple options: a quick clean, deep clean, and sole restoration, then take before-and-after pics with permission. Start with drop-offs in your neighbourhood and clear turnaround times, like 24–48 hours. Pricing is easiest when it’s per pair, with extras for suede, white soles, or deep stains. Take a quick before-and-after photo (with permission) and you’ll build trust fast.

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. Recycling pickup and sorting service

Recycling is one of those hustles that’s easy to start and grows through routine. Offer a simple pickup service for households, complexes, or small offices where people want to recycle but don’t have the time. You can collect paper, cardboard, cans and plastic on set days, then sort it and drop it at a local recycling centre or buy-back spot. The key is consistency, clear rules on what you accept, and showing up when you say you will. Start in one area and build from there, because the real money comes from repeat pickups, not once-offs.

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. Weekend moving help and small deliveries

Not everyone needs a full moving company. Many people just need help shifting a fridge, collecting furniture from Marketplace, or moving boxes between flats. You can offer weekend moving help as a service, even if you don’t own a bakkie, by positioning yourself as the muscle and coordinator. If you do have access to a vehicle, even better, but you can also partner with someone who does and split the fee. Keep your pricing clear upfront based on distance, time, and heavy items, and always confirm the job details on WhatsApp so there are no surprises. This hustle works well around month-end, student move-outs, and when people relocate for work.

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. WhatsApp order-taking for local small businesses

A lot of small businesses don’t struggle with product, they struggle with admin. If you’re organised, you can offer a simple after-hours service where you manage WhatsApp enquiries, take orders, confirm delivery details, and keep a basic list of what came in. Think home bakers, nail techs, braiders, small caterers, and resale sellers who get flooded with messages at peak times. You don’t need to be a full-time virtual assistant, just reliable during agreed hours. Set a monthly fee or weekly retainer, create a templated message system for common questions, and keep everything in one shared Google Sheet so the owner stays in control.

42. Party hosting and kids’ entertainment

Event planning can quickly become a full business, but party hosting stays nicely side-hustle if you keep it simple. Offer to host kids’ parties, run games, do face painting, balloon twisting, or themed activities for one to two hours. Parents pay for stress relief, not perfection, so your value is energy, structure, and keeping kids busy

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. CV and LinkedIn clean-up service

People job hunt all year, and most CVs just need structure, clarity, and confidence. Offer a simple service that rewrites CVs, improves formatting, and tightens cover letters. You can charge per document, offer a student rate, and upsell interview prep. It’s a great after-hours hustle because it’s quiet work, repeatable, and based on skill rather than stock.

48. Basic admin setup for small businesses

Many SMEs need help setting up invoices, quotes, a pricing sheet, a booking tracker, or a simple income and expense log. If you’re organised, you can build these systems in Google Sheets and hand them over in a day or two. Keep it light, practical, and template-based so it stays a side hustle, not a full agency.

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 hands-on services to digital gigs, these ideas show you can start earning extra income without a big budget. What matters most is choosing something you can keep up week to week, pricing it clearly, and getting a few repeat customers.

To keep your hustle running smoothly, track what’s coming in, keep an eye on your costs, and set a simple routine for bookings and follow-ups. You don’t need to overcomplicate it, you just need a system you’ll actually use.

If you’re selling from your stoep, side-hustling online, or offering services around your neighbourhood, iKhokha can help you get paid quickly and keep your payments more organised with simple payment tools built for South African businesses.