The Side Hustle Economy in South Africa

In 2023, we conducted a survey to dig into the Side Hustle economy in South Africa. The results were astounding, but further to that, the increasing popularity of side hustles reflect the diverse and dynamic ways in which people are embracing entrepreneurship and financial independence. Over 6000 people completed the survey, indicating they had a side hustle.

Gauteng emerges as the largest hub of side hustlers. Our findings show that an impressive 62% of people run their side businesses from home, while 18% run their ventures primarily online, representing the highest figures in this category. Nearly 48% of respondents stated that their side hustle provides a valuable second source of income.

It's been fascinating as well as informative to learn how South Africans supplement their income through side hustles. This post will showcase some of the more fascinating methods in which South Africans make additional money. It will also showcase the continuous entrepreneurial spirit that the South African community continues to demonstrate in the face of adversity.

Here is a list of the most Popular Side Hustles based on our survey and easy ways to streamline & expand them!

Personalised Poems

- Create a portfolio of your best work. Organise your personalised love quotes and poems into different categories, such as anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and more. This portfolio will showcase your skills and help attract potential customers.
- Consider partnering with event planners, wedding organisers, and gift shops to offer your personalised poems and quotes as part of their packages. This can open opportunities for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions.
- If possible, print your poems and quotes onto various products like mugs, posters, greeting cards, and frames. This will allow you to diversify your offerings and appeal to different customer preferences.
- Follow Instagram handles that inspire you for daily or weekly motivation.

Artisanal Handcrafted Steelwork

- Focus on delivering high-quality products and excellent craftsmanship. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your services to others and become repeat clients.
- Consider diversifying your product range to cater to a wider audience. You can offer custom designs, different styles, and finishes to meet the varying needs of your customers.
- Utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your work, share updates, and engage with potential customers. Social media can also be a great platform for running targeted ads.
- Attend local business events, trade shows, and networking functions to connect with potential customers and industry peers. Establishing personal connections can help build trust and generate leads.

Baking Specialty Cakes

- Establish a unique and recognisable style for your specialty cakes. Whether it's intricate designs, innovative flavours, or specific themes, having a signature style can help you stand out from the competition.
- Provide personalised cake designs and flavours based on customers' preferences and occasions. Customisation adds value and creates a unique experience for your clients.
- Arrange tasting sessions for potential customers, especially for wedding cakes or large orders. Allowing customers to sample your cakes can help them make a confident decision to choose your services.
- Consider hosting cake decorating classes or workshops to share your skills and generate additional income. Teaching others can also help raise awareness of your business.
- Social media can be a powerful ally in brand promotion. Sending complimentary cakes to influencers who can help market your product is one effective strategy. You can use their reach and influence to generate buzz and visibility for your brand.

Selling Bunny Chows

- Choose a strategic and high-traffic location for your business. Whether it's a busy street corner, near schools or offices, or at local events, being in the right location can significantly boost your sales.
- Offer regular promotions, discounts, or meal deals to entice customers to try your products. Special offers can create a sense of urgency and encourage repeat business.
- Focus on delivering consistent, high-quality food. Satisfied customers are more likely to spread the word about your business.
- Experiment with different fillings and flavours for your bunny chows to offer customers a variety of options. This can attract adventurous eaters and cater to various tastes.
- Showcasing your food with great photography is also a great way to entice customers.
- If your Side Hustle is done from home, consider offering a delivery service; clients always appreciate convenience.
- Applying for a vendor stall at local markets is an excellent way to gain traction and attract more customers to sample your delectable bunny chow meals and offerings. Local markets have a vibrant and diverse customer base, making them an excellent venue for showcasing your culinary delights. Setting up a stall allows you to directly engage with potential customers, giving them a taste of your unique dishes and building brand recognition.

Drop Shipping

- Determine the pricing for your products. Consider factors like product cost, shipping fees, and your desired profit margin. Ensure your prices remain competitive in the market.
- Provide excellent customer service to build trust and retain customers. Respond promptly to inquiries and address any issues professionally and efficiently.
- Keep yourself updated with the latest trends in your niche and the e-commerce industry. Adapt your business strategy accordingly to stay relevant.

Growing and Selling Fresh Produce

- Begin with a small ground and gradually expand as your business grows and you gain more experience. Starting small allows you to manage your resources efficiently and minimise risks.
- Sell your vegetables and fruits directly to consumers through farmer's markets, roadside stands, or your own farm shop. Personal interactions can help build customer trust and loyalty.
- Educate consumers about the benefits of buying locally grown, fresh produce. Highlight the nutritional value and environmental advantages of your products.
- Consistently provide high-quality vegetables and fruits to build a positive reputation and encourage repeat business.
- Stay updated with the latest agricultural practices, attend workshops, and seek advice from experienced farmers to improve your skills and efficiency.
- Aiming for organic produce can also lead to a new clientele that is willing to pay more for organic products.
- Consider putting together seasonal produce boxes to highlight and educate customers about the benefits of eating seasonally. This could also be viewed as a distinct selling point.

Buying and Reselling Clothes

- Conduct market research to identify popular and trending seasonal clothing items.
- Keep an eye on fashion trends and consumer preferences to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Find reliable suppliers for purchasing seasonal clothing at wholesale or discounted prices.
- Consider local clothing manufacturers, online wholesale platforms, or clearance sales to get the best deals.
- Build a diverse inventory of seasonal clothing that appeals to a wide range of customers. Ensure you have a good mix of sizes, styles, and colours.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and testimonials on your social media pages. Positive feedback can build trust and attract more buyers.
- Once you have a larger clientele and know what they are looking for, starting your own product line could also increase your income due to the fact that you can control the manufacturing costs and boost the local economy.

Recycling Cans and Bottles

- Locate nearby recycling centres or depots that accept cans and bottles. Contact them to inquire about their purchasing rates for different materials.
- Collaborate with restaurants, bars, and event organisers to be their designated recycling service. Offer to collect their cans and bottles regularly in exchange for payment.
- Ensure you follow all relevant regulations and legal requirements for recycling and waste management in South Africa.

Never underestimate your own motivation and ability to launch a successful side business. A side hustle can grow into a full-time endeavour that can turn a dream into a reality with time and effort.

Selling Printed T-shirts

- Narrow down your target market by selecting a specific niche for your printed T-shirts. This could be based on hobbies, interests, sports teams, local pride, or any other specific themes.
- Find reliable suppliers or manufacturers of high-quality blank T-shirts. Ensure that the fabric and printing surface are suitable for the printing method you plan to use.
- Determine the pricing for your T-shirts, considering factors like the cost of materials, printing, shipping, and your desired profit margin. Stay competitive while ensuring profitability.
- Offer discounts for bulk orders and consider partnering with local retailers or businesses to sell your T-shirts wholesale.
- Continuously monitor fashion and design trends to stay relevant and offer fresh designs that appeal to your customers.
- Aiming for an entirely locally made product will inevitably bring in more customers who are eager to support the local economy. Mutual industry referrals can always be used to support local T-shirt and screen-printing supplies.

House and Pet Sitting Services

- Establish trust and credibility by creating a professional profile that showcases your experience, reliability, and love for animals. Consider getting references from friends, family, or past clients.
- Spread the word about your services in your local community through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth. Let friends, neighbours, and colleagues know that you offer house and pet sitting services.
- Establish a good standing with your clients and their pets. Providing excellent care and updates during their absence will likely result in repeat business and positive referrals.
- Keep yourself informed about the proper care and handling of different types of pets. Attend workshops or courses if needed to improve your knowledge.
- In case any of their clients are seeking for a dependable pet sitter, let area veterinarians know that you provide pet sitting services. Providing a flyer and an opportunity for people to contact you would be effective, as would having reachable references to establish credibility.

Buying and Reselling Vintage Goods

- Share your listings on social media, forums, and relevant online communities to increase visibility and reach potential buyers.
- List items regularly to maintain a steady flow of sales. Consistency can help you build a loyal customer base.
- Keep track of your expenses, sales, and profits to ensure you are running a profitable business.
- Here are some top Platforms to sell on and find other vintage items: Facebook Marketplace and Yaga.

Selling Organic Chicken Eggs

- Participate in local farmers' markets to reach a broader audience. Farmers' markets attract customers who value locally sourced and organic products. Here is a directory to learn more: Farmers Markets, Farm Stalls, Padstals, Organic Food Directory
- Emphasise the benefits of organic eggs, such as improved taste, nutritional value, and the ethical treatment of chickens. Building trust with customers will encourage loyalty.
- Listen to customer feedback and continuously look for ways to improve your egg production and business operations.
- Organic products often appeal to health-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for quality.
- Provide a delivery service; customers are frequently looking for more convenient ways to shop.

Selling Home-Made Ginger Beer

- Create attractive and professional packaging for your ginger beer.
- Express the homemade and artisanal nature of your product, which can be a selling point for customers looking for authentic beverages.
- Selling your ginger beer at local markets, fairs, and community events. You can also approach small cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores to see if they are interested in stocking your product.
- Ensure that your ginger beer is consistently of high quality. Consistency is crucial for gaining repeat customers and building a reputation for excellence.

D.J. On the Weekends

- Reach out to bars, clubs, restaurants, and event organisers to inquire about DJ opportunities. Start with smaller venues and work your way up as you gain experience and recognition.
- If you have the necessary equipment and skills, explore opportunities for online DJing. Live streaming sets or creating mixtapes for online platforms can help you reach a global audience.
- Focus on improving your skills, making meaningful connections, and delivering memorable performances.
- In order to help listeners understand what you have to offer as a DJ and as a method to showcase your abilities, create your own special playlist on Spotify with your own remixed songs.

Homemade Doggy Treats

- Using high-quality, and pet-friendly ingredients in your dog treats could be a selling point. Avoid additives, preservatives, and any harmful substances that could be harmful to dogs.
- Offer variety packs or gift sets that allow customers to try different flavours or buy treats as gifts for other pet owners.
- Collaborate with popular pet influencers or bloggers to have them review and promote your dog treats. Their endorsement can significantly boost your product's visibility.
- Here is great example of a brand that also started from home: Probono – Dog Treats

Braiding People’s Hair

- Consider offering mobile hair braiding services, where you visit clients' homes or offices to braid their hair. This convenience can be a selling point for busy individuals or those who prefer privacy.
- Create a unique and memorable brand and experience for your hair braiding business.
- Creating a distinct brand identity can help you stand out in a competitive market.
- Make use of an online booking system that could assist you. Here is a great one to review: Fresha

Filmmaker and Photographer

- Consider selling your photographs and video clips through stock photography and video platforms. This can generate passive income as customers purchase your content for their projects. Here are a few platforms to view such as iStock and Envato are great places to start.
- Share your expertise through online courses or tutorials on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. This can be an additional revenue stream while establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
- If you enjoy creating educational or entertaining content, consider starting a YouTube channel and monetize it through ads and sponsorships. You can also use Patreon to offer exclusive content to your subscribers in exchange for monthly support.

Finding more efficient methods of payment collection and developing a social presence will help all these Side Hustles. Visit our blog post to find out more about The Ins and Outs of Side Hustling. It will inform you where to start and how to make the most of your side-hustle endeavours regarding ways to streamline payment, best locations, and more Side Hustle ideas.

Looking for a Popular Side Hustle to Try?

Here are some great ones to review and consider

- 15 Best Side Hustles in South Africa | SME South Africa
- 10 of the Most Profitable Side Hustles in South Africa - The Workspace
- Growing a side hustle is an excellent way to experiment with or test a business idea. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as the saying goes. Remember the necessity of giving a side hustle significant consideration, consistent growth, and strong financial oversight and management.