Are you looking for ways to supplement your income in South Africa? Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to keep yourself busy with some extra cash on hand? 

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of side hustles, this article is for you. We’ve scoured South Africa to bring you the best side hustle ideas that are both fun and profitable. 

What are you waiting for? Let’s get hustling!

Side hustle ideas in South Africa that may be the perfect fit for you

1. Offer laundry services.

If you don’t mind a little manual labour, offering laundry services can be an easy way to earn money on the side.

First of all, we can all agree that laundry is one of those things that nobody can avoid. Whether you’re a busy urbanite or a suburban homemaker, we all need clean clothes.

And that’s why laundry services are always in demand! Especially for those folks who have a hectic schedule and no time to do laundry themselves. 

Another great thing about laundry services is that they don’t require a huge investment to get started. All you need is a reliable washing machine, dryer, and some basic laundry supplies. 

Heck, most people already have these things at home, so you can get your side hustle up and running in no time.

And let’s not forget the cherry on top: laundry services are super flexible and can fit around your busy life. 

2. Give cars a wash.

Giving cars a wash in exchange for money is another side hustle that has a steady demand. Plus, starting a car wash service requires minimal investment.

All you need are some basic cleaning supplies, a good location, and a strong passion for cleaning cars. Although, of course, this can be tiring work as well.

Another thing we love about this idea is you can start small by offering your services to friends and family and then grow your business from there.

Another perk is that the car wash market in South Africa isn’t oversaturated yet, so you have plenty of opportunities to build a strong customer base.

It’s also a flexible commitment and you can set your own hours and schedule appointments that work best for you and your customers.

3. Babysit!

Parents in South Africa are always in need of dependable and trustworthy caregivers for their little ones. With the increase in dual-income households, the demand for high-quality babysitting services has skyrocketed!

Of course, you’ll need some basic child-care training, a reliable mode of transportation, and some marketing materials to get started. But once you’re ready, the sky’s the limit!

Sure, you could start small by offering your services to families in your neighbourhood. But why not make things easier for yourself and join an established agency? 

They’ll handle all the marketing and administration for you, so you can focus on doing what you love. 

Just keep in mind that while working for an agency might mean a smaller paycheck, it also means you’ll have a steady stream of clients and a support system to rely on. 

4. Offer to look after someone else’s house.

Offering house-sitting services might seem odd, but there’s actually a demand for it in South Africa.

With many homeowners travelling frequently for work or leisure, there is always a demand for trustworthy house sitters to look after their homes. By providing reliable and trustworthy services, you can give homeowners peace of mind while earning money.

As the job doesn’t require much, the only thing you need to build on is your reputation. It would also help if you’re great with household chores!

This is also great part-time work as it’s very flexible. If your full-time job is online, you can easily hit two birds with one stone and earn extra money by completing your work tasks while you’re looking after someone else’s home.

5. Walk dogs.

If you love spending time with dogs and want to turn your passion into a profitable side hustle, why not consider starting your own dog-walking service?

We’re sure you’ve noticed, but there are many dog owners in South Africa who work full-time and are unable to give their furry friends the exercise they need during the day. This is where you come in!

The best thing about this gig is you absolutely don’t need anything else other than a great reputation and genuine care for animals. A walk with your “client” doesn’t take very long too, so you can definitely accommodate more doggos in one day.

6. Offer food delivery services.

Are you a foodie with a reliable ride and a smartphone? If so, offering independent food delivery services in South Africa could be the perfect side hustle for you.

With the rise of food delivery apps, many restaurants are now offering delivery options to their customers. However, not all restaurants have the capacity to provide delivery services themselves, leaving a gap in the market for independent food delivery services. 

This flexible business idea is an efficient way to connect restaurants and customers in need of delivery services. 

All you need is a motorcycle, a smartphone with internet access, and some marketing materials to get started. You can also choose your own schedule, so this gig doesn’t have to come into conflict with your other commitments, which is awesome.

7. Tutor online.

Online tutoring is a fantastic side gig option, especially considering the transition into remote learning due to the pandemic. Many students need extra support to achieve academic success, and parents are willing to pay for quality tutoring services.

Online tutoring is also super flexible and convenient. You can work from the comfort of your own home, and schedule tutoring sessions at times that suit your schedule and your students’ needs. 

All you need to start is a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet, and skills in particular school subjects. 

There are also various online platforms available that connect tutors with students, making it easier to find clients and build a strong reputation.

Online tutoring can also be really rewarding. 

You get to share your knowledge and help students succeed, while also earning some extra cash. It’s a win-win situation!