What if you could escape the daily grind and create a career that works around your life?
The good news is, with the internet, this is entirely possible.
More and more South Africans are discovering legit ways to make money online, turning their skills, creativity, and even hobbies into profitable ventures.
The online world isn’t just for tech experts or influencers. It’s for anyone willing to learn, adapt, and put in the effort. From freelancing and graphic design to tutoring and blogging, there’s an opportunity out there for everyone, regardless of experience.
Think about it: no commute, no rigid office hours, and the chance to work from anywhere.
So, whether you’re a student looking for extra income, a parent balancing family responsibilities, or someone exploring a career change, the flexibility of online work makes it incredibly appealing.
Table of Contents
Legit Ways to Make Money Online in South Africa
But with endless options comes confusion.
How do you figure out which opportunities are worth your time? That’s exactly what we’ll address in this guide.
I’ve put together a list of 17 legit ways to make money online in South Africa, complete with actionable tips to help you get started.
1) Make Money With a Local Blog
Every article that talks about legitimate ways to make money blogging in South Africa mentions blogging…
And it’s for a good reason.
Blogging is a proven and tested way to earn additional income without necessarily giving up your day job.
The process is usually simple:
- Choose a local topic (easy to dominate as opposed to global topics)
- Decide on your domain name
- Register your .co.za domain
- Grab web hosting
- Install WordPress with Truehost one-click installer
- Setup your blog (plugins, themes, etc)
- Install and configure an SEO Plugin such as RankMath or Yoast SEO
- Start blogging
You can leverage AI tools to help you scale up content production. With a manageable publishing calendar, you should be able to build a website that sees 10K+ monthly traffic from Google within 6 months.
This amount of traffic is enough to earn you around $100 a month. Within 3 years, this should hit $500 or more.
Now, I know it sounds too good to be true, but many of our team members run independent blogs that see these figures while working full-time… so, it’s doable.
Monetizing a blog
The easiest way to monetize a local blog is by using Google Adsense. For South Africans, the Pay-per-click is relatively higher compared to other countries.
You could also try other channels such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and digital products.
Be patient. Building a successful blog takes time. With consistent effort, you can earn between R3000 to R15000 per month from AdSense, depending on your traffic.
Remember to follow Google’s guidelines strictly. This will help ensure your account remains in good standing and your earnings continue to grow.
2) Reseller Hosting
Reseller hosting offers a way to make money by providing web hosting services to others.
You purchase a hosting package from a larger company and then sell portions of it to your own customers.
This allows individuals or small businesses to start a hosting business without having to manage the technical aspects themselves.
One of the biggest benefits is the potential for profit. You set your own prices for the hosting services and manage your customers as you see fit.
Many reseller hosting packages also come with easy-to-use control panels, making it simple to manage websites and accounts.
With this business type, choosing the right hosting provider is quite critical. Focus on:
- Fast and reliable customer support
- Well-established and robust infrastructure
- Competitive features
- Scalability, etc
You can trust our team to provide a reliable infrastructure for your business, without eating into your profits.
3) Freelance Writing on Upwork
The truth is, freelance writing isn’t as profitable as it was, pre-AI.
To make money as a freelance content developer in 2025 and beyond, you’ve got to be really good at what you do:
This means:
- Crafting content that people wanna read
- Being really good at research
- Mastering on-page SEO
- Being adept with related skills such as keyword research
Upwork still remains a good platform for beginners, though the competition has become tougher.
If you are a real beginner, then Upwork is a platform that connects buyers with freelance service providers like you. There, you could offer:
- SEO blog post writing
- Product descriptions
- Sales page copy
- Writing LinkedIn posts, etc.
Take time to create a perfect and almost flawless profile. Make sure it highlights the benefits that clients will get from hiring you, beyond just your writing skills and experience.
As a content developer, your product is content. That is as clear as a day. Unfortunately, that’s not what clients are buying.
They are buying results:
- Sales
- Organic traffic
- Brand awareness
- Brand authority.
Demonstrate that that’s what you deliver, and you will easily land clients. This thus means you need to be always experimenting.
It’s hard to do that without a personal blog.
Upwork is a top freelancing website for writers in South Africa. It connects you with clients from around the world who need writing services.
To get started, create a profile showcasing your writing skills and experience. Be sure to highlight any areas of expertise you have, such as technical writing or creative content.
Once your profile is set up, you can start applying for writing jobs that match your abilities
4) Virtual Assistant Services
A virtual assistant job is a solid online job that hasn’t been affected majorly by Generative AI.
As a virtual assistant, you will help clients get things done so that they can focus on the bottom line.
There are different types of virtual assistants:
- General admin assistant
- Podcast assistant
- Real estate assistant
- Sales administration assistant
- Content marketing assistant
- Virtual booking assistant
- eCommerce VA
- Product launch assistant, etc.
As you can possibly tell, you need an array of skills to qualify for various VA jobs. Clients will depend on you for most tasks involving their business.
The good news is that most of the skills required are easier to learn on the job. You just need to have a figureoutable spirit, as resources are at your disposal.
As you work with different clients, you’ll build your skills quickly.
Pay rates vary based on your skills and experience. Typical earnings range from R60 to R300+ per hour.
The more expert you become, the more you can charge.
To get started, create a strong CV and online profile. Look for work on freelance sites like Upwork or Problogger. LinkedIn and Facebook groups are also good places to find clients.
5) Teaching English Online via VIPKid
VIPKid offers a great way to make money online in South Africa by teaching English to Chinese students.
To teach with VIPKid, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field and some teaching experience.
Native English speakers are preferred though.
The application process is straightforward. You create an account, fill out an application, and do a short demo lesson. If approved, you review their curriculum and tech requirements.
VIPKid provides the lesson plans and materials. You just need to show up and teach engaging 25-minute one-on-one classes to kids aged 4-12.
Pay ranges from $14-$22 per hour. You can earn over $500 per month teaching part-time with VIPKid. They also offer incentives and bonuses.
The platform is legitimate and many teachers use it to earn money online. It’s a flexible option if you enjoy working with kids and have some free time.
To succeed, bring energy and enthusiasm to your lessons. Use props and visuals to make classes fun. Be patient and encouraging with your students.
VIPKid is a solid choice for South Africans looking to teach English online. The pay is good and you can work from home on your own schedule.
6) Selling Crafts on Etsy
Etsy is a great place to sell handmade crafts and earn money online in South Africa.
This platform connects you with buyers from around the world who are looking for unique, handcrafted items.
To start, create an Etsy shop and list your handmade products. You can sell a wide range of items, including jewelry, home decor, clothing, and art.
Just make sure your items are high-quality and well-photographed to attract buyers.
Beyond quality and presentation, your products need to be priced right. Price too low and you are leaving money on the table, too high, and your sales dwindle.
Research similar items to set competitive prices that cover your costs and provide a profit. Don’t forget to factor in Etsy’s fees and shipping costs.
Good customer service is crucial. Respond quickly to messages and ship items promptly. Positive reviews will help your shop grow and attract more customers.
Etsy’s global marketplace gives you access to millions of potential buyers. Use relevant tags and descriptions to help people find your products.
By shipping your products internationally, you access a market that would have been otherwise impossible to reach.
Don’t create and pray….
No, Santa isn’t coming to your rescue.
Marketing your Etsy shop is important. Share your products on social media and consider running Etsy ads to increase visibility.
You can also participate in Etsy teams and forums to connect with other sellers and learn tips for success.
7) Affiliate Marketing with Amazon Associates
Done right, it’s actually possible to earn a substantial income as an Amazon affiliate.
By joining Amazon Associates, you get paid for sales that occur via your referrals within 24 hours.
The commissions are low, 4 -10%, but Amazon is a trusted brand and the clicks are easier to convert.
To get started, you need to join the Amazon Associates Program. It’s free and easy to sign up.
Once approved, you’ll get unique links to Amazon products.
You can add these links to your blog posts, YouTube videos, or social media content. When someone clicks your link and buys a product, you earn a commission.
Be sure to read Amazon Associates’ terms of service as they are strict on where and how you promote your links.
The key to success is choosing products that fit your audience’s interests. Focus on items you know well and can recommend honestly.
Building a niche website or blog is a popular strategy. You can create content around specific product categories and include your affiliate links.
Remember to disclose your affiliate relationship to your audience. This builds trust and follows FTC requirements.
8) Selling Photos and Videos
South Africa’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture offer great opportunities for photographers and videographers.
You can turn your passion into profit by selling your visual content online.
You can sell your creations on stock photography websites such as:
- Shutterstock
- iStock
- Alamy
- Getty Images
- Adobe Stock
These sites cater to a global audience, increasing your potential customer base.
To start, you could focus on capturing unique South African scenes. Think:
- Wildlife
- Cityscapes
- Local events
- People (with consent)
In this industry, your distinctive perspective can easily set you apart on these sites.
Quality is key. Invest in good equipment and hone your skills. Learn about composition, lighting, and editing to create professional-looking content.
That said, you don’t really need a camera gear. If you have a phone with great camera features such as a high-end Samsung and iPhone, you can take great photos and footage with them.
Next, focus on building a diverse portfolio. Include a mix of subjects to appeal to different buyers. This increases your chances of making sales.
Don’t forget about metadata. Use relevant keywords when uploading your content. This helps potential buyers find your work more easily.
At first, you will struggle to make sales, and the income you generate this way will be nothing to write home about, but over time, it starts to stack up as your portfolio expands and downloads increase.
9) Create and sell online courses
Another legit way to make money online in South Africa is by selling online courses.
Granted, it involves more work, but if you know your craft and how to sell, then you can actually make a good amount of money with this skill monetization strategy…
So, if you are looking for an idea that really stretches you and even pull you out of your comfort zone, then this is it:
- You will learn new skills (video editing, LMSs, audio editing)
- You will get comfortable behind the camera
- You will refresh your knowledge base as you research your topics
This way, you will even start adding new marketing channels to your arsenal such as YouTube and TikTok.
With time, these new channels can be a new source of income for you or your business.
You can sell your courses on various platforms including:
- Your own website
- Udemy
- Skillshare
- Skool
How to get started
- Think about what you’re good at.
It could be anything from cooking to coding. - Then, plan out your course. Break it into easy-to-follow lessons.
- Next, record your videos.
You don’t need fancy equipment. A smartphone and good lighting can work well. Make sure your content is clear and helpful.
The only investment that you can’t skimp on is a good microphone. Make sure that your learners can comfortably hear you, otherwise, their experience won’t be good.
After you’ve created your course, upload it to a platform of your choice. Be sure to price your course strategically, largely depending on where you are selling it.
10) Dropshipping with Shopify
Shopify offers a great platform for starting a dropshipping business in South Africa.
It’s user-friendly and packed with features to help you succeed.
- Set up a Shopify store. This process is straightforward and doesn’t require technical skills.
- Next, find reliable suppliers. You can use Shopify’s built-in apps to connect with dropshipping suppliers.
These apps make it easy to add products to your store and manage inventory. - Customize your store’s design to make it stand out. Shopify offers many free and paid themes to choose from.
- Add products to your store. You can easily import your researched products onto your store using apps such as Oberlo.
Once your store is up and running, the real work begins. You want to go big on promotion. Implement robust SEO strategies, grow your social media accounts, create a buzz around your products on TikTok, etc.
Also, learn how to run Pay Per Click campaigns such as Meta and Google Ads. As long as you are seeing a good return on investment (ROI), then running ads is a great way to get instant sales.
Providing excellent customer service can build a good reputation. Be prompt in your replies, and do everything possible to avoid huddles.
11) YouTube Content Creators Program
The YouTube Content Creators Program offers a great way to make money online in South Africa.
This program lets you earn from your videos through ads, sponsorships, and more.
To join, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Once you meet these rules, you can apply to the program.
After joining, you can monetize your videos in several ways. Ad revenue is the most common. YouTube shows ads on your videos and you get a share of the money.
You can also use other methods to boost your earnings. Sponsorships let you work with brands to promote their products. Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by recommending products.
Merchandise sales are another option. You can create and sell branded items to your fans. Some creators offer channel memberships for exclusive content.
The amount you can earn varies. It depends on your views, engagement, and niche. Some South African YouTubers make a full-time income from their channels.
To succeed, focus on making high-quality content that your audience loves. Be consistent with your uploads and engage with your viewers. With time and effort, you can build a profitable YouTube channel.
12) Become an online tutor
Online tutoring is a flexible and rewarding way to make money.
If you’re knowledgeable in a specific subject or have teaching skills, you can connect with students worldwide and earn a steady income.
How to get started as a tutor
- Choose a subject: Identify topics you’re skilled at, such as math, English, coding, art, or business studies.
- Pick a platform: Sign up on websites like Preply, Chegg Tutors, or VIPKid. These platforms make it easy to find students.
- Set up your profile: Highlight your qualifications, experience, and teaching style to attract learners.
- Create lesson plans: Structure your sessions around the needs of your students for better engagement and results.
Also, note that each platform got its own lesson plans, or at the very least guidelines that you need to adhere to when planning your lessons.
Benefits of online tutoring
- Flexible hours that fit your schedule.
- Competitive pay, often ranging from R150 to R500+ per hour.
- Opportunities to teach part-time or full-time.
13) Become a WordPress developer
WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally, making WordPress development a lucrative skill.
Now, it’s safe to assume that not all of the website owners are web developers or tech-savvy. This means there is business for you.
If you think you would have to be a real developer to make money this way, then I implore you to think again.
WordPress has increasingly become easier to use, but most importantly more robust than ever.
You can build any type of website with the help of page builders such as Gutenberg, Elementor, Oxygen, or Bricks Builder.
Even if you are totally green, you should be able to build beautiful websites within 4 months of dedicated learning.
Skills you’ll need
- Basic coding knowledge: Learn HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript for customizations.
- WordPress fundamentals: Understand how to install WordPress, use themes, and manage plugins.
- SEO basics: Optimize websites for search engines to attract more clients.
How to start as a WordPress developer
- Learn the platform: Take free or paid courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Youtube University works wonders as well
- Build your portfolio: Create demo websites to showcase your skills to potential clients.
- Find clients: Offer your services on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour.
- Market your skills: Use LinkedIn or social media to network with small business owners and showcase your work.
For listing sites such as real estate, job boards, etc, you can leverage the Jet Engine plugin from Crocoblocks which is a quite powerful tool.
What you can earn
Beginner WordPress developers in South Africa typically earn R5,000 to R20,000 per project, depending on complexity.
As you gain experience, you can charge much higher rates.
Be sure to stay updated with the latest WordPress updates, plugins, and trends to deliver high-quality work and retain clients.
14) Become a graphic designer
Graphic design is a creative way to earn online by helping businesses communicate visually.
From logos to social media graphics, your designs can make brands stand out.
Skills to learn
- Design software: Master tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.
- Visual principles: Understand color theory, typography, and layout design.
- Communication: Learn how to interpret client briefs and deliver their vision effectively.
How to start as a graphic designer
- Build a portfolio: Create mock designs for logos, flyers, or social media posts to showcase your abilities.
- Grow social media accounts: Go viral by remaking popular company logos.
- Join freelancing platforms: Sign up on Fiverr, 99designs, or Behance to find clients.
- Network locally: Approach small businesses or startups in your area to offer your services.
- Upsell your services: Offer package deals, such as logo + business card design, to increase your earnings.
What you can earn
Graphic designers in South Africa typically charge between R200 and R1,000+ per project, depending on experience and complexity.
15) Social Media Management
Socials can be a lot of work, that’s why most small businesses opt to outsource this role.
As a social media manager, you will be responsible for:
- Brainstorming social media posts
- Maintaining a social media calendar
- Creating content
- Scheduling content
- Engaging with clients’ audience across channels
- Managing social inboxes, amongst others
Of course you will be using a scheduling tool to manage content for clients, but still, it can be quite an involving job.
This role might even include running Meta, X, and TikTok ads.
What’s cool with this job is that you don’t need extensive education to get started. Once you’ve learnt the basics you should be ready to onboard clients.
Some social media managers earn over R7,000 per month working from home.
To find clients, create a portfolio demonstrating your social media skills. Network with business owners and offer free trials to prove your worth.
Word-of-mouth referrals can help you grow your client base quickly.
16) Community Management
Closely similar to social media management, community management is a legitimate way to make money online in South Africa.
Community management involves creating and fostering online communities for businesses or organizations.
The goal is to build engagement, improve customer loyalty, and strengthen brand presence.
Typical tasks
- Responding to comments and messages on social media or forums.
- Moderating discussions to ensure positive and respectful interactions on Facebook, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp groups.
- Creating engaging posts or discussions to spark interest.
- Gathering feedback and insights from community members.
It involves managing and growing online communities for businesses or organizations.
As a community manager, you’ll handle social media accounts, forums, and other online platforms. Your job is to keep users engaged and build a positive community around a brand.
You’ll create content, respond to comments, and moderate discussions. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to handle different personalities online.
Many businesses in South Africa need community managers but can’t afford full-time staff. This creates opportunities for freelancers or part-time workers.
To get started, build your own social media presence. Show potential clients you can grow and manage online communities effectively.
You can find community management jobs on freelance websites or by reaching out to local businesses directly. Rates vary, but experienced managers can earn a good income.
This role lets you work from home and set your own schedule. It’s ideal if you enjoy social media and connecting with people online.
17) Investing in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency investing is a popular way to make money online in South Africa.
You can start by choosing a reliable crypto exchange like Luno or VALR. These platforms let you buy, sell, and store digital currencies.
Before investing, learn about different cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and Ethereum are well-known options, but there are many others.
Each has its risks and potential rewards.
Start small and only invest money you can afford to lose. Crypto markets can be very volatile, with prices changing quickly.
This makes it risky but also offers chances for profit.
One strategy is to buy and hold cryptocurrencies long-term. This is often called “hodling” in the crypto world. You buy coins and keep them, hoping their value goes up over time.
Another approach is trading. This involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies more frequently to profit from price changes.
Cryptocurrency trading requires more time and skill than hodling.
Keep in mind that crypto isn’t regulated like traditional money in South Africa. The South African Reserve Bank doesn’t recognize it as legal tender. But it’s legal to trade and invest in crypto assets.
Always do your research and understand the risks before investing. Cryptocurrency can be a good way to diversify your investments, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy for making money online.
18) Forex Trading
Besides cryptos, you can also make money trading currencies. The concept is called forex trading.
It involves buying and selling different currencies to profit from changes in exchange rates.
You can start forex trading with a small amount of money. Many brokers in South Africa offer accounts with low minimum deposits.
To trade forex, you’ll need to open an account with a licensed broker. Make sure to choose one regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This helps protect your money.
Learning forex basics is key before you start.
Many brokers offer free educational resources and demo accounts. These let you practice trading without risking real money.
Forex markets are open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. This gives you the flexibility to trade when it suits your schedule.
Be aware that forex trading, like any other form of trading, carries risks. You can lose money if the market moves against you. It’s important to use risk management strategies like stop-loss orders.
Some traders make money by creating forex content or teaching others. You could start a blog, YouTube channel, or offer online courses about forex trading.
Remember, success in forex takes time and effort. Start small, keep learning, and don’t risk money you can’t afford to lose.
19) Online Gaming and Streaming
Gaming and streaming can be a fun way to turn your hobby into income. If you love video games, here are some simple steps to get started:
- Start streaming
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube let you share your gameplay live. Create a channel, showcase your skills, and let your personality shine. Interacting with viewers helps build a loyal audience. - Earn through your audience
As your audience grows, you can make money from:- Subscriptions: Fans pay for exclusive perks.
- Donations: Viewers can support you directly.
- Sponsorships: Companies may pay you to promote their products. This can be quite lucrative.
- Compete in tournaments
Online gaming tournaments with cash prizes are another great way to earn. Compete against other players, and if you’re skilled, you could win big. - Offer coaching services
Skilled at a popular game? Some players are willing to pay for lessons to improve their gameplay. Coaching can be a rewarding way to share your expertise.
Tips for Success
- Be consistent: Stream regularly to grow your following.
- Be patient: Building an audience and earning money takes time.
- Have fun: If you love gaming, the journey will be worth it!
Start small, stay committed, and you could turn your gaming passion into a steady side income.
20) Writing eBooks
Writing eBooks is a flexible and rewarding way to earn online.
Whether you’re an expert in cooking, business, or any other topic, here’s how to get started:
a) Choose a topic
Pick a subject you know well and that people want to learn about. Popular topics include:
- Cooking recipes
- Business advice
- Personal development
The niche you pick should also interest your audience.
b) Plan your eBook
Create an outline to organize your ideas. Break your eBook into clear chapters, and decide what each will cover. This keeps your writing focused and manageable.
c) Write simply and clearly
- Use short paragraphs.
- Include bullet points for easy reading.
- Keep your language simple, aiming for /an 8th-grade reading level.
The easier it is to read, the more engaging it will be.
d) Publish your eBook
Once your eBook is finished, choose where to sell it:
- Gumroad: A user-friendly platform where you can set your own prices.
- Your Website: Gives you full control over sales and marketing.
- Social Media: Promote and sell directly to your audience.
e) Set the right price
Research similar eBooks to find competitive pricing. Aim for a price that reflects the value of your work but is still affordable for readers.
f) Market your eBook
Marketing is key to success:
- Share your eBook on social media.
- Start a blog to attract readers and showcase your expertise.
- Use email newsletters to connect with potential buyers.
g) Be patient and consistent
Writing and selling eBooks takes effort and time. Focus on creating valuable content and building your audience.
With the right approach, your eBook can become a steady source of income while allowing you to share your knowledge with the world!Here’s a formatted version of the blog section on Print-on-Demand:
21) Print-on-Demand: Sell Custom-Designed Products
Print-on-Demand (POD) is a business model that allows individuals and businesses to create custom products using their own designs, without holding inventory.
Here’s what you need to know:
How it works:
- Design your products (e.g., t-shirts, mugs, accessories)
- Upload designs to a POD platform
- Platform prints and ships products when orders are received
Popular platforms:
- Printful
- Redbubble
- Teespring
Product range:
- Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, etc.)
- Accessories (phone cases, bags)
- Home decor items
Benefits:
- Low startup costs
- No inventory management
- Wide range of customization options
Getting started:
- Choose a niche
- Create unique designs
- Set up an online store or use existing marketplaces
Print-on-Demand offers a flexible way for creators to sell custom-designed products without the need for upfront inventory investment, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and artists alike.
Maximizing Online Income Potential in South Africa
Boosting your online earnings in South Africa requires strategic planning and skill development.
By focusing on the right areas, you can increase your chances of success in the digital marketplace.
Developing Digital Skills
To make more money online, you need to sharpen your digital skills.
Start by learning the basics of web design and coding. These skills are in high demand and can open up many job opportunities.
Next, focus on digital marketing. Learn how to use social media platforms effectively. Understand search engine optimization (SEO) to help websites rank higher in search results.
Data analysis is another valuable skill. Learn how to interpret data and use it to make smart business decisions.
You can find free online courses to help you get started with these skills.
Don’t forget about soft skills like communication and time management. These are crucial for working online successfully.
Choosing the Right Platforms
Picking the best platforms for your skills is key to making money online in South Africa.
For freelancing, try popular sites like Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms connect you with clients from around the world.
If you’re into e-Commerce, consider setting up a shop on Etsy or Shopify. These platforms make it easy to sell products online.
For those targeting a local audience, then Olitt is a better and cheaper option.
For content creators, YouTube and Instagram can be great for building an audience. You can earn through ads, sponsorships, and product promotions.
If you have expertise to share, try creating online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Many South Africans are earning income through online tutoring and course creation.
Remember to research each platform thoroughly. Look at their fees, user base, and success stories before committing.
