The five lucrative side hustles taking South Africa by storm

Everyone across Mzansi seems to be doing a side to make ends meet, now a chartered accountant and business owner has come up with the top five side hustles that made South Africans "serious money" in 2024.

And they will continue to do so going into 2025, revealed Davron Chanderdeo.

Chanderdeo said that he personally has clients in all five of the niches so he can vouch that they are making money. 

1. Freelancing

From Graphic Design to Writing and Web Development, freelancing is booming, according to Chanderdeo. 

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are connecting South Africans to international clients with the top freelancers making more than R50,000 per month part-time. 

2. Ecommerce and dropshipping

Chanderdeo said that people are making money selling fashions, gadgets and even digital products without holding stock.

Platforms like Takealot, Shopify and Makro Online, people can set up an online store to sell their goods. 

3. Ride sharing and delivery services

Bolt, Uber and delivery services such as MrD are allowing people to earn a side hustle income of up R15,000 per month at their own pace, according to Chanderdeo. 

4. Content creation and monetisation

Creators are making money through platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube with brand deals, ads and merchandise. 

If you are good with engaging with people this could be your way to a five-figure income, according to Chanderdeo.

5. Online tutoring and teaching

Teaching skills or languages like Preply and Teach Me are earning South Africans up to R30,000 per month all at the comfort of their own home.

Side hustles and tax

According to Lenichea Carelse, Accounting Manager, Tax Consulting SA, income from side hustles in South Africa is fully taxable.

"It’s important to note that your total income, including freelance and salary income, is subject to tax," Carelse said.

"If you earn above the tax threshold, you're required to register as a provisional taxpayer. This means paying tax twice a year based on your estimated income, with a final payment due after filing your tax return."

The consequences of evading tax are criminal investigation and stiff penalties.

Carelse said that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) can penalise you for failing to register for tax and submit a tax return.

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