In 2025, South Africans are more connected than ever before, and making money online has become a real and sustainable way to earn an income — whether part-time, full-time, or just as a side hustle. With high unemployment rates and the rising cost of living, more Mzansi residents are turning to the internet to hustle, build businesses, and create multiple income streams.
In this guide, we’ll break down legit ways to make money online in South Africa, what platforms are most popular, and how you can start earning with just a smartphone and an internet connection.
Why Make Money Online in South Africa?
South Africa faces a unique economic landscape. With load shedding, rising fuel prices, and youth unemployment over 40%, many people are searching for flexible and low-cost ways to make money. The internet offers:
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Low startup costs
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Flexible working hours
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Access to a global market
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Multiple monetization opportunities
Whether you live in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, or a township like Soweto or Khayelitsha — the online world has opened new doors for South Africans to earn.
1. Freelancing: Sell Your Skills Online
One of the fastest ways to start making money online is through freelancing. If you have skills like writing, graphic design, coding, or digital marketing, you can offer your services to international clients.
Best Freelancing Platforms for South Africans:
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Fiverr – Perfect for creative services like design, voice-over, and writing.
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Upwork – Offers a wide range of job categories.
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PeoplePerHour – Great for short-term gigs.
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Freelancer.com – Popular for remote jobs in various fields.
💡 Tip: Set up a strong profile, create sample work, and offer competitive prices at the beginning to build your reputation.
2. Online Tutoring & Teaching
If you’re fluent in English or have a background in math, science, or coding, you can earn money by teaching online. With South Africa being in the same time zone as much of Europe, it’s ideal for tutoring students overseas.
Platforms to Get Started:
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Preply – Teach English or other subjects.
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Cambly – Get paid to speak English with students globally.
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Teach Me 2 – A local South African tutoring platform.
Tutors can earn between R150 to R500 per hour, depending on experience.
3. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is more than just a place to watch videos — it’s a serious money-making tool. In South Africa, YouTube pays creators through AdSense, sponsorship’s, and affiliate links.
What You Need:
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A niche (e.g., vlogs, finance, beauty, tech, kasi lifestyle)
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A smartphone or camera
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Consistent uploads
Popular South African YouTubers like Mpoomy Ledwaba, Lasizwe, and The Microwave Boys have turned content creation into a full-time income.
💰 Creators earn about R15 to R50 per 1,000 views, plus extra from brand deals.
4. Sell Products Online
You don’t need a physical store to start a business. In fact, many people in South Africa are making thousands selling products on:
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Facebook Marketplace
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WhatsApp Business
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Takealot (SA’s Amazon)
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Shopify or Gumroad (for digital products)
Popular items include:
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Phone accessories
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Hair products
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Fashion items
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Homemade food (e.g., kotas, baked goods)
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E-books, Canva templates, and courses
💡 Pro Tip: Use TikTok and Instagram Reels to market your products for free.
5. Affiliate Marketing
This is a passive income model where you earn a commission by promoting someone else’s product or service online.
Affiliate Programs Available in South Africa:
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Loot.co.za Affiliate Program
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Amazon Associates (still works for South Africans)
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Travelstart (travel and flight bookings)
Share your unique affiliate link on your blog, TikTok, or YouTube. Every time someone buys via your link, you earn money.
6. Become a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) help small businesses or entrepreneurs manage tasks like emails, calendar bookings, social media, or customer service.
In South Africa, VAs are in high demand — especially by overseas clients looking for cost-effective but skilled remote workers.
You can start with:
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LinkedIn
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Facebook VA groups
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Remote job boards like We Work Remotely or Remote OK
💰 Entry-level VAs earn R5,000 – R15,000 per month, depending on hours and tasks.
7. Participate in Online Surveys & Market Research
While this won’t make you rich, online surveys can bring in a bit of extra cash or vouchers.
Legit Survey Sites in South Africa:
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Toluna
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ySense
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SurveySavvy
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Mobrog
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TGM Panel
Expect to earn R5–R50 per survey, depending on length.
8. Dropshipping & E-commerce
With dropshipping, you sell products online without keeping stock. You create a store, list products, and once someone buys, your supplier ships it directly to the customer.
Tools like:
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Shopify + Dsers
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WooCommerce + AliExpress
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Zyda (for food business delivery in SA)
This model requires marketing skills (especially Facebook Ads and TikTok content), but has high earning potential.
9. Make Money with TikTok & Instagram
In 2025, social media is currency. South Africans with big followings are earning through:
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Brand deals
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Live gifts
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Selling their own products or courses
Even with 1,000 followers, you can start monetizing by creating niche content (e.g., cooking, fashion, fitness, kasi life hacks).
10. Sell Digital Products
South Africans are creating and selling:
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E-books (e.g., how to hustle in SA, budgeting, healthy eating)
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Canva templates
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Notion planners
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Online courses or guides
Use platforms like:
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PayHip
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Gumroad
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Teachable
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Shopify
This allows you to earn passively and sell globally, even while you sleep.
Final Tips for Success
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Be patient: Online income grows over time.
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Keep learning: Watch YouTube, take free courses on platforms like Coursera and Skillshare.
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Use cheap data hacks: Night data bundles, Telkom free me plans, or WiFi-sharing.
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Network: Join SA Facebook hustle groups or Telegram side hustle channels.
Conclusion
Making money online in South Africa in 2025 is not a scam or fantasy. It’s real — and thousands of people are already doing it from their phones, laptops, or even in the kasi. Whether you’re a student, unemployed, or just trying to earn extra cash, there’s a hustle out there for you.
Choose one or two methods, be consistent, and start building your digital empire in Mzansi.
You may also want to read: Tips for Young Entrepreneurs in South Africa (2025 Guide).