FIVE unusual side hustles to make extra money in South Africa

From translating languages to whipping up delicious baked goods, make more money with a side hustle that feeds your soul.

Side hustles have become the norm with people making profit from their passions. Image: Pixabay

Starting a side hustle in South Africa is a practical way to supplement your income and explore entrepreneurial ideas.

Embarking on a side hustle requires careful planning and dedication. By using your skills, passion, and available resources, you can create a successful venture that complements your primary income… and feeds your creativity.

Here are FIVE easy and unusual side hustle ideas tailored for South Africans.

Thyme Bank has a few ideas for making extra money that require a bit of initial work to set up, but the money is worth it.

1. BECOME A TRANSLATOR

With 11 national languages, there are many opportunities to put your bilingual abilities to work in South Africa and make some extra money on the side.

How to get started:

Join freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, showcase the languages you’re fluent in, and begin building your experience. As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to charge higher rates.

The beauty of freelance work is its flexibility—you can do it after hours, making it an ideal side hustle alongside a full-time job.

2. E-COMMERCE OR RESELLING

How to get started:

Clothes, handbags and household goods that don’t fit, or you don’t use. Even gifts you’ve received that just aren’t your style – RESELL.

Import goods in demand (e.g., phone accessories, fitness gear) and resell locally.

Create handmade items, like jewellery or crafts, and sell them through Etsy or at local markets.

Medium has other ideas focusing on turning your passion into profit.

3. HOME-BASED BAKING OR CATERING

If you have a passion for baking or cooking, consider launching a home-based business. With high demand for cakes, cupcakes, pastries, and catering services for events, this can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

Products: Specialise in cakes, cupcakes, pastries, or event platters.
Marketing: Use platforms like social media, WhatsApp, and local markets to showcase and promote your offerings.
Income Potential: Earn between R500 and R1,500 per order, depending on the size and complexity of the request.

Ikhokha, a business tools company in KwaZulu-Natal has cheap, easy plans to increase your monthly income.

4. LAUNDRY SERVICES

This is a side hustle you can do from the comfort of your own home, but some clients may request a callout. A laundry service is simple to run since your primary resources, a washer and dryer, are cheap to maintain and reliable.

Add an ironing service to the deal and the money will roll in.

5. LANDSCAPE ARTIST

Put your green-fingered passion to good use. If you spend your weekends in your garden or if you have the know-how on growing veggies and herbs, branch out and charge for your expertise.

Start small with clients in your area and grow your customer base with time.

HAVE YOU TURNED YOUR PASSION INTO PROFIT WITH A SIDE HUSTLE?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.