How To Make Money Online In South Africa
If, by mid-month, you’re turning down weekend plans and asking yourself if peanut butter counts as supper, this guide on how to make money online in South Africa is for you.
Ping. The “Money-In” SMS comes through on payday. Suddenly life feels generous. But before you even had time to blink, your money’s gone on debit orders. After that, it’s rent, petrol, school fees, WiFi, that R200 you owe your aunt — and by mid-month you’re standing in a Shoprite queue trying to decide between electricity or bread.
According to an FNB study, South Africans use up most of their salary within five days. Five. Then it’s a long walk to payday with very little left to work with. And with so much of that income locked into debt repayments, you’re basically funding your own struggle.
That’s why so many people are chasing side income these days. This post shows you how to make money online in South Africa without falling for scams.
Note that you’re using these services or ideas at your own risk. We can’t be held responsible for any damage caused to you as a result of using these platforms.
ALSO READ: Types Of Informal Businesses In South Africa You Can Start
Table of Contents
How To Make Money Online In South Africa: 15 Legitimate Ways
Complete Social Media Tasks On Jumptask
Jumptask pays users to do what they’re already doing—interacting on social media. Liking posts, commenting, and sharing content through the platform earns you crypto rewards. These tasks are simple, straightforward, and suited to anyone who spends time online. If you’re consistent, the earnings add up without taking over your day.
Website: Jumptask
Take Surveys On Survey Compare
Survey Compare connects you with paid surveys across different brands and topics. It’s structured to match you with surveys that suit your profile, so you won’t waste time answering questions you don’t qualify for. You won’t be writing essays — it’s mostly ticking boxes and giving your take on products, services or habits. Payments come in vouchers or cash, depending on the provider you choose to work with.
Website: Survey Compare
Share Your Views on Opinion Bureau
Opinion Bureau pays South Africans to weigh in on ads, campaigns, and public topics. Whether you’re rating a TV ad or reviewing packaging, you get rewarded for straightforward, honest feedback. The more thoughtful your answers, the higher your value to brands.
Website: Opinion Bureau
Sign up for Old Mutual Rewards
Old Mutual Rewards gives you points for learning about financial wellbeing and improving your money habits. You don’t need to be an Old Mutual client to participate. Read an article, use a budgeting tool, or take a challenge — and earn as you go. The points can be spent on vouchers, investment contributions, or even donated.
Website: Old Mutual Rewards
Turn Steps Into Digital Cash on Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin turns your steps into value. Whether you’re heading to the taxi rank or walking across campus, those movements get tracked and converted into digital coins. You can use those to unlock offers, get discounts, or support causes you care about.
Website: Sweatcoin
Watch Videos on Paidwork
Paidwork is one of the few platforms that lets you earn simply by watching videos. You’ll find ads, short clips, and promotional content lined up for you. Choose what you want to watch, sit back, and get paid for your attention. It’s a convenient way to bring in extra cash while you relax at home.
Website: Paidwork
Share Your Ride on Lift Club Connect
Lift Club Connect helps drivers link up with passengers heading the same way. If you’re driving to work, campus, or a regular destination, you can register your route and get paid to take others along. It’s efficient, safer than random lifts, and cuts down the cost of fuel.
Website: Lift Club Connect
Sell Your Data on Tartle
Tartle is a marketplace where people sell their own data — directly, safely, and on their terms. You decide what to share, and buyers pay you for access.
It could be purchase history, preferences, or survey responses — but you stay in control. In a world where your data is already being used, Tartle makes sure you’re the one benefitting.
Website: Tartle
Upload Study Notes to Stuvia
If you’ve got study notes sitting in folders or files, Stuvia turns those into income. Upload well-organised, accurate notes, and students studying the same subjects can buy them. Each download earns you money. It works especially well with popular courses or detailed summaries.
Website: Stuvia
Sell Local Photos on Stockist
Got an eye for photography? You don’t need a fancy camera—just a decent phone and a good sense of composition. Stockist allows South Africans to upload and sell their photos to brands, designers, and content creators. Everyday images of South African life, landscapes, or products perform well, especially if the shots feel real and local.
Website: Stockist
Take Part in Clinical Trials via Centre Watch
Centre Watch lists clinical studies and medical trials that offer compensation for participants. You can browse by health condition, location, or study type. If you’re eligible and comfortable, you’ll be guided through the process with full transparency. Some trials require health checks or doctor consultations first — safety comes first. It’s a specialised opportunity, but for the right person, it can be worth exploring.
Website: Centre Watch
Teach What You Know on Udemy
Udemy lets you package your skills into a course and earn every time someone signs up. Whether you’re good at photography, maths, music, Excel, or anything in between — you can build a short course and publish it. It’s a once-off effort that can keep earning long after you’ve uploaded. The platform has strong reach, so if your content is clear and practical, it can go far.
Website: Udemy
Sell Old Textbooks to We Buy Textbooks
We Buy Textbooks buys used academic books for cash. They make it easy to scan or enter ISBN numbers, see an offer, and sell with minimal admin. If your bookshelf is full of books you no longer need, this platform helps you free up space and earn at the same time. Collection and payment are arranged quickly.
Website: We Buy Textbooks
Get Paid to Test on User Testing
User Testing pays you to explore websites and apps while recording your thoughts. You’ll be given a set of tasks to complete and asked to talk through your experience. Companies want real opinions — what’s clear, what’s confusing, what catches your attention. If you speak clearly and give honest, thoughtful feedback, you’ll get regular opportunities. Each completed test comes with a flat rate.
Website: User Testing
Promote Products on TikTok
If you enjoy making videos and know how to keep an audience engaged, TikTok can become a paying platform. Many local brands work with creators to promote products through flat-rate deals. You don’t need to be a huge influencer—relevant, relatable content with good storytelling tends to get the best results. Build trust with your audience, and you’ll attract the right partners.
Website: TikTok
What To Know Before You Sign Up
Payout Thresholds: Many platforms require you to reach a minimum earnings amount before you can withdraw. Check how long it typically takes to reach that amount.
Payment Methods: Confirm how payments are made (e.g. PayPal, gift cards, bank transfer) and if they’re available in your country.
Earning Potential: Understand that these platforms usually pay very little per task—often cents. They are not a reliable source of full-time income.
Legitimacy & Reviews: Research the platform’s reputation through independent reviews and forums like Reddit or Trustpilot to avoid scams.
Privacy Concerns: Many survey platforms collect personal data. Review their privacy policy and be cautious about how much information you share.
Availability of Tasks: Tasks may not always be available, especially since you’re living outside high-demand regions like the US, UK, or Canada.
Time Commitment: Some surveys and video tasks can take longer than expected for minimal reward. Check how much time is realistically required.
Disqualification Risk: You might be screened out of surveys after answering a few questions, without getting paid for your time.
Mobile vs Desktop Access: Some platforms work better on desktop or have limited mobile compatibility.
Withdrawal Fees or Limits: Be aware of any processing fees or limits on how often or how much you can cash out.
Each of these platforms pays in different ways, but they all share one thing: they respect your effort. Try one, or combine a few, and let your income build in ways that suit your pace and purpose.
React to this post
About The Author
