Think R500 isn’t enough to start a business? Think again. In a tough economy, many South Africans are finding creative ways to earn extra income—and some of the best side hustles require little to no capital to get started.
Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just trying to make ends meet, here are 5 practical and profitable side hustles you can launch in South Africa with just R500 or less.
1. Perfume oil reselling
Start-up cost: R300–R500
Perfume oils are affordable, long-lasting alternatives to expensive designer perfumes—and they’re in high demand. With just a few hundred rand, you can buy a starter pack and start reselling in your community or online.
How to get started:
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Buy concentrated perfume oils in bulk (from local suppliers or online)
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Buy small bottles (3ml–10ml) for packaging
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Market on WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, or TikTok
Why it works:
2. Selling homemade snacks
Start-up cost: R300–R500
If you enjoy cooking or baking, you can turn it into a daily cash business. Vetkoek, muffins, cookies, popcorn, and fat cakes are always popular.
How to get started:
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Choose 1–2 simple products
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Buy basic ingredients (flour, oil, sugar, etc.)
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Sell at school gates, taxi ranks, or even door-to-door
Why it works:
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Fast turnover—daily sales mean daily cash
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No need for fancy branding
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Can grow quickly with regular customers
3. Laundry & ironing service
Start-up cost: R0–R300
If you already own a washing machine or iron, you’re halfway there. Many busy professionals or students are willing to pay someone to help with laundry.
How to get started:
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Offer wash & fold, ironing, or both
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Market to neighbours, students, or workers in your area
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Use detergent and electricity you already have
Why it works:
4. Digital freelance services
Start-up cost: R0–R500
Do you have a skill in writing, editing, graphic design, tutoring, or social media? You can freelance online with minimal investment—just your time and talent.
How to get started:
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Create a free portfolio using Canva or Google Docs
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Offer your service on Fiverr, LinkedIn, Facebook, or local WhatsApp groups
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Invest in data and marketing if needed
Why it works:
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No physical products = low cost
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You can earn in foreign currency from international clients
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Highly scalable over time
5. Selling airtime & data or electricity
Start-up cost: R100–R500
You can start an airtime/data vending or electricity reselling business using your phone and earn small commissions per transaction.
How to get started:
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Register with a service like Kazang, BluVoucher, or Flash
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Load a small float (R100–R500) to start selling
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Offer service in your area—especially where shops are far
Why it works:
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Essential service = regular customers
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Easy to manage, even from home
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Can grow into a full mobile shop setup over time
Final thoughts
You don’t need thousands to start your hustle. With just R500, a bit of creativity, and consistency, you can start earning extra income and build something meaningful. The key is to start with what you have, offer value, and keep reinvesting your profits.
