Tired of budgeting things down to the smallest things? I am, too! 

I had to avoid good restaurants and shopping spots to save for rainy days. But not anymore! I found smarter ways to make extra money in Cape Town.

There are so many ventures available here that you can do on top of your day job. Here are some side hustles my friends and I do that make it possible to enjoy the finer things in life.

Freelance Jobs

A freelance job can help you earn depending on your skill set and the profession you choose. I am a freelance copywriter, so I’m earning around $10 per hour. 

Arrangements differ as well, so you have to look for an ideal setup for your situation.

The best-paying freelance job on the market right now is the web developer role. They handle the technical side of websites and usually charge around $50 per hour, but some negotiate higher fees if the skillset is more intricate. 

If you don’t have any experience, you can try out data entry jobs or even an entry-level call center agent job to jumpstart your freelancing career. Just make sure that your day job is fine with your freelance projects!

Renting Out Properties

A friend of mine has a nice little apartment in Cape Town that she rents out to tourists for around $25 (ZAR 455) a day. She claims she once earned $400 (ZAR 7,280) in one month from the same renter, and I think that’s a decent amount to earn from a side hustle.

She recommends making it affordable for guests compared to other rental properties in the area. Her little home is cozy with just the necessities (and a bit of warm decor to match) so it’s appealing to tourists.

If you have an available room in your home and you don’t mind playing host to strangers, then this might be your best side hustle. Plus, this is also a great opportunity to get to know new friends from different parts of the globe!

Ridesharing Service

Almost everyone uses ridesharing apps these days, which is why it’s a great side hustle to do after work. I once interviewed my Uber driver, and he said he earns around ZAR 3,000 monthly (since he does it randomly) and around an additional ZAR 500 more from tips.

Before you become a ridesharing car service driver, you need to sign up for a membership wherein the company conducts a background check. You need to have a registered vehicle and a driver’s license before you can start.

Only consider this side job if you don’t mind sitting in traffic or being stuck with an overly chatty passenger. Also, this is a great side hustle for someone who loves to drive around the city.

Pet Sitting

This was my first job when I was still in high school, and I loved every second of it! I still do it every now and then for relatives who need a pet sitter. It’s a fairly easy job if you like hanging out with energetic dogs and aloof cats for a day or more.

I used to charge ZAR 200 per sitting for friends and family, but it can change depending on your experience and if the pets require specific care routines. If you have in-depth knowledge of animal care and safety, you can use this to haggle your service rate.

This is one of the easiest (and the most entertaining) jobs on this list that I highly recommend for newbies. Beware, though, because you might adopt one for yourself!

Renting Out Special Equipment

If you have specialized equipment, like camping gear and golf clubs, you can definitely earn a few bucks from renting them out. I have a skateboard that I always rent out to curious teens and friends who want to try it out, and it’s one of the easiest bucks I earned!

When I rent out equipment, I make sure that they’re clean and in good condition to ensure the safety of loyal customers (and my own credibility). I suggest preparing a set of paperwork to keep your equipment safe and insured when they’re rented.

Now you can earn from sports gear or handy equipment you have in your attic. I, for sure, have earned a few bucks from my impulse buying from the past.

Tutoring Services

If you used to be a stellar student in a specific subject or language, then you should consider tutoring students. A close friend of mine teaches Mandarin and Japanese to young kids and adults. She earns about ZAR 150 hourly, which she says is good enough.

The most in-demand tutors are those who specialize in STEM to prepare students for entrance exams or finals. So if you’re a STEM professor, this side hustle is perfect for you.

Tutoring services are also ideal for kids who want to learn a new instrument or artistic skill, so it’s definitely a choice for talented artists with spare time. I, myself, would love to learn how to play the piano.

Sell special baked goodies

I bake cookies and cakes as a hobby, so I decided to sell them to my neighbors and friends. They love the baked goodies I make, and I earn a hefty buck during special holidays (like Valentine’s and Christmas) since they’re given as gifts.

To earn more, I also offer customization for smaller (bento-sized) cakes for special occasions. It’s a nice way to ramp up the price and get more from an order. 

However, I made sure I went through a couple of training and practiced on a lot of cakes before I offered it to customers.

If you enjoy baking in your spare time, then this might be the side hustle for you. Try to keep your kitchen clean and organized, since baking tons of orders might make a lot of mess and that’s a no-go for this business.

Lifestyle Photography Gig

Everyone wants to commemorate a special event, so having a photography skill might work in your favor. I asked a lifestyle photographer friend how much he earns per project, and he has earned ZAR 3,000 for a maternity shoot in scenic places like the Bo-Kaap houses.

He has an extensive portfolio that helps him get more clients and shows what he can do. He commented that specifying areas of expertise and limitations is important. You don’t want to accept projects that you’re not skilled enough to do, after all.

It’s important to invest in your gear if you want to pursue this gig since locals and tourists alike hire photographers. It’s also a good way to amp up your prices per shoot.

Tips for Side Hustlers

• Networking: Try to market your services at local events and participate in online forums as much as possible. 
• Social media: Post your portfolio and experiences in social media groups to find interested customers in your area.
• Constant learning: Keep up with the trends and learn the best hacks of your chosen trade to offer more services.
• Ensnare loyal customers: Treat your customers right by providing a good service as much as possible.