How to Make Money Online in South Africa

last Updated on December 16, 2023

There are so many opportunities to make money online in South Africa today. It can be from the comfort of your home, or maybe you need an additional income or you want to try out a side business.

Some of the legitimate ways to make money online in South Africa include freelancing, affiliate marketing, online surveys, tutoring, blogging, selling digital products, dividend investing, online investing, and using money-making apps, etc.

However, choosing a suitable option for making money online in South Africa can be stressful because it depends on a lot of factors such as your skills, time, capital, and your interest as well.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a driven professional seeking additional income streams or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to kick-start your venture, we’ve done the research for you and picked the best ways to make money online in South Africa.

Let’s get started on finding the best fit for you.

13 Best Ways to Make Money Online in South Africa for Free

1. Freelancing

Leverage your skills and expertise by offering freelance services in areas such as writing, graphic design, programming, or virtual assistance is an effective way to make money online in South Africa.

Websites like Upwork and Freelancer provide platforms to connect with clients and find paid gigs.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Through affiliate marketing, anyone can make money online in South Africa by promoting products or services for companies or business owners and earning commissions for each sale or referral you generate. 

Join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, CJ, and Share a Sale, or take advantage of local affiliate programs like that Zando, Etsy, and BidorBuy

3. Online Surveys

Participating in online surveys is a quick and easy way to earn extra cash in South Africa. Join legitimate survey platforms like Survey Junkie or Toluna, and share your opinions on various topics in exchange for rewards or cash.

In addition to online surveys, certain websites, like ySense or Vindale Research, offer additional earning opportunities such as paid offers, micro-tasks, or paid product testing.

4. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject, consider becoming an online tutor. Platforms like Teach Me 2 and Skooli connect you with students seeking academic support or language lessons in South Africa.

Passive income streams allow you to make money without actively trading your time for it. Here are a few passive income ideas suitable for South Africans.

See: How to Check SASSA Status in South Africa

5. Blogging

Starting a blog on a topic or niche you’re passionate about can be one of your best ways to make money online in South Africa. You can monetize the blog through advertisements, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money in South Africa.

Produce high-quality content consistently to attract readers and generate income. You can also make money by repurposing your blog content for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube.

As you produce engaging evergreen content in your niche of interest, your account gains popularity and you can monetize it through advertisements and sponsorships.

6. Digital Products

Having a digital product makes money for you even in your sleep. All you have to do is create and sell digital products like e-books, online courses, or stock photography. 

Platforms such as Gumroad or Teachable make it easy to host and sell your digital products in South Africa.

7. Dividend Investing

Investing in dividend-paying stocks can provide a steady stream of passive income over time. 

You can research and choose reliable South African companies that offer attractive dividend yields.

8. Online Trading

The most notably easiest method to make money in South Africa is by trading Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.

But before trading, learn about stock trading or cryptocurrency trading by using platforms like EasyEquities or Luno to make informed investment decisions and potentially earn profits.

9. Money-Making Apps

Various apps pay real money to watch videos, engage content, or fill surveys

Let’s explore a few options.

• Slidejoy: You can earn money by allowing ads on your phone’s lock screen with the Slidejoy app. Each time you unlock your phone, you’ll accumulate points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
• Snupps: Snupps allows you to create digital collections of your belongings and share them with others. You can also sell items within the app, turning clutter into cash.
• FieldAgent: Through FieldAgent you can earn money by completing simple tasks like taking photos, conducting surveys, writing reviews, and connecting with shoppers. Anywhere, anytime.
• Foap: The Foap app helps you turn your photos into dollars by selling your smartphone picture online. This allows businesses and individuals to purchase them for various purposes and pay for your services.

Download smartphone apps like FieldAgent or Foap that pay you for completing simple tasks, taking photos, or participating in market research studies.

While some platforms, like Swagbucks or InboxDollars, reward users for watching videos or completing other small tasks. While it may not be a significant income source, it can provide a bit of extra cash.

10. Virtual Assistance

With the rise of remote work, many individuals now have the flexibility to work from the comfort of their homes. 

Here are some work-from-home options that can help you earn money in South Africa.

Providing administrative support, managing social media accounts, or handling customer service tasks for businesses as a virtual assistant through platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can connect you with potential clients.

11. Online Transcription:

If you have excellent listening and typing skills, consider working as an online transcriptionist. 

Websites like GoTranscript or Rev offer opportunities to transcribe audio files and earn money.

12. Social Media Management

Many small businesses struggle to manage their social media presence. 

Offer your services as a social media manager, helping businesses grow their online presence and engage with their target audience.

13. Sell Online

One of the best ways to make money online in South Africa is to sell online. Once you’ve found a good niche or a host of sought-after products, you can start to sell these products via social media using WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Or you can choose to create your online store. You can leverage platforms like Shopify to easily set up your online store and start selling products locally and internationally to make some money.

Wrap up on How to Make Money Online in South Africa

In South Africa, the possibilities for making money online are enormous. Whether you’re looking to start an online business, work from home, earn passive income, or find part-time opportunities, there’s an option that suits your interests and skills. 

By leveraging the power of the internet while being consistent, you can make enough money from the internet that can put you in the top 1% of the rich in the world. People are doing it every day.

Remember, consistency, dedication, and a willingness to learn are key to achieving your money-making goals.