How to Make Money Online in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Money Online in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Money Online in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Coming up with ideas to make money online in South Africa can be difficult due to the large number of possibilities. This article explores a number of options to make sure you can choose the one that best suits your skills and way of life and take advantage of all the digital opportunities out there. Let’s dive into it and discover more about these topics: 

  1. Paid surveys with SagaPoll
  2. Freelancing in South Africa
  3. Virtual Assistance
  4. Online Tutoring and Courses
  5. Technical Support and Customer Service in South Africa

1. Paid surveys with SagaPoll in South Africa 

Paid surveys are a very accessible way of earning money online in South Africa. They are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their many advantages. Here are a few of them: 

  • Rapidity: You only need a couple of minutes to answer them.
  • Flexibility: You can organise your schedule as you wish by taking part in the surveys at any time of day, anywhere in the world.
  • Accessibility: No matter your background, your education, your job, paid surveys are accessible for everyone as long as you are 18 years old. 

SagaPoll is an online paid survey in South Africa but also available throughout the whole continent. 
The app is 100% dedicated to Africa, which enables it to send you personalised surveys based on your profile. This personalisation offers you the opportunity to have a real impact on the products and services already available in your country or those soon to be launched. In exchange for your participation, you will receive rewards such as badges for each survey or task completed. Finally, our team is committed to responding to your requests within the same day, so that we can offer you the best possible experience.

How to use SagaPoll? 
  1. Start by downloading the app on Play Store.
  2. Enter your personal information. 
  3. A notification will be sent to you to complete surveys. 
  4. Take part everyday to maintain your Streak.

After reaching 5,000 points, you will be able to exchange your points for cash, either by bank transfer or mobile top-up.

2. How to become a freelancer in South Africa?

Freelancing in South Africa is a versatile option that allows you to offer services such as:

  • Copywriting and content creation:  Put your writing skills to good use to meet companies’ requirements for articles, blogs, web content or advertising. 
  • Graphic design: Create logos, banners, business cards and other visual aids for businesses and individuals. 
  • Web development and programming: Offer your expertise in web development and programming to design or improve websites, essential elements or company’s identity. 

Working as a freelancer is a flexible and often profitable option, offering you the chance to provide your services to a variety of clients, whether individuals or businesses. You can offer different services depending on your skills. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect south african freelancers with clients globally, enabling you to work on projects that suit you best.

Ideas on freelancing jobs in South Africa
  1. Translator
  2. Content writer
  3. Social media marketing 
  4. Transcriber
  5. Editing

And many more!

3. Virtual Assistant jobs in South Africa

Another idea for remote jobs is becoming a South African virtual assistant. The demand in that field is growing globally and has become easier with the democratisation of remote working.  You can assist companies with administrative duties including customer support, scheduling, and email management. This job is flexible, you can work with people in different time zones, allowing you to choose to work at any time of the day. 

Example of virtual assistant jobs in South Africa:

  • Answer phone calls
  • Email campaigns 
  • Appointment setting
  • Social media
  • Booking travel 

If you are interested in becoming a virtual assistant, you can apply on Linkedin where a lot of offers are posted daily. You also have platforms such as Glassdoor and Upwork where you can upload your CV and connect with people.  

4. Online Tutoring and Courses

Following the digital revolution, online tutoring in South Africa, as well as globally, has transformed education. If you have expertise in specific areas, you can monetise your knowledge by teaching others.Platforms like Brightsparkz Tutors or Turtlejar Tutors are excellent options for this.

The range of topics you can teach is incredibly diverse, ensuring you can find subjects in which you excel. Don’t hesitate to diversify your teaching areas if you have knowledge in multiple subjects. This can help keep your day varied and make online tutoring in South Africa more engaging.

5. Technical Support and Customer Service

make money online in South Africa

Customer service and technical support jobs are frequently outsourced by businesses. Due to the affordability of South African labour compared to overseas, there are ample opportunities to find jobs in this sector. Similar to freelance work, collaborating with people in different time zones can be advantageous if you are seeking a part-time position.

These roles require strong communication skills. Having prior experience in customer service or technical support is a significant advantage, but it is not always mandatory.

If you are not fully convinced about those ideas, have a look at this article to find more ideas: 45 Online side hustles you can start in South Africa in 2024.


In conclusion, there are numerous opportunities for earning a passive income in South Africa across various fields. Paid surveys with SagaPoll offer a quick, flexible, and accessible way to earn extra income, allowing you to influence products and services in your region. For those with specific skill sets, freelancing provides a versatile and often profitable option, enabling you to offer services. Virtual assistance is another growing field, providing flexibility and the chance to work with clients globally. Additionally, online tutoring has revolutionised education, allowing you to monetise your expertise and keep your workday engaging. Lastly, customer service in South Africa offers stable job prospects. 

You can discover the ideal fit for your lifestyle and skill set by looking through these different online possibilities and find the best way for you to make money online in South Africa.