South Africans are under increasing financial pressure as holiday season begins, and are concerned about managing festive season expenses on top of regular household costs.
JustMoney’s recent large-scale survey, Money & Me, revealed that 61% of South Africans struggle financially every month. December and January are the toughest months of year.
In a bid to cover expenses, 38% of respondents have a regular side hustle that generates extra income. Popular earners include online buying and selling (28%), making items to sell (21%), purveying food (14%), renting out spare accommodation (12%), providing beauty services (12%), trading (9%), and transport services (6%).
Among those who don’t have a side hustle, nearly half reported that they “don’t know how”.
JustMoney’s head of customer experience, Sarah Nicholson, says, “Summer brings great opportunities to earn some extra cash, whether it’s turning a skill, hobby, or spare time into real money. With a little creativity, you can avoid December debt stress and the infamous ‘Januworry’.”
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Turn skills into cash this holiday season
JustMoney offers creative ideas for practical, low-risk ventures that tap into seasonal demand created by the holidays and festive celebrations.
1. Food and snack stalls. South Africans flock to beaches, markets, and outdoor events during the festive season. From soft drinks and salads to braai packs and boerewors rolls, the side-gig opportunities are many. Start-up costs are low to moderate, and typically limited to a cooler box, portable braai, and ingredients.
2. Meal prep and takeaway party platters. With year-end comes a steep increase in social gatherings, creating strong demand for convenient meal-prep solutions and ready-made snack trays. These could include heat-and-eat dinners for busy households or platters for office functions. Start-up costs are low when cooking from home.
3. Gift wrapping and personalised gift services. A pop-up wrapping service at shopping centres or markets offers convenience to time-stressed shoppers. Buy bulk wrapping paper, ribbon, and packaging – and be sure to check about permits – to cash in on this option.
4. Home cleaning and holiday prep services. With holiday rentals and guest visits peaking in summer, services such as deep cleans and garden tidy-ups are in demand. Efficient turnaround and transparent, checklist-based pricing will help your services stand out.
5. Short-term rentals and equipment hire. Camping gear, beach chairs, gazebos, coolers, and sound systems can all be rented out to holidaymakers. Start-up costs depend on whether you own the items or partner with someone who does.
6. Guided local experiences and tours. The festive season brings an influx of visitors looking for authentic, local experiences. Legally registered guides can offer cultural tours, nature walks, craft market visits, surf lessons, bicycle tours, and more.
7. Online freelance services. Holiday season businesses often need temporary campaign support. Those with strong writing, design, admin, or tutoring skills can earn extra income with little or no operating costs.
8. Mobile car wash and valet service. Mobile car-cleaning services are always in demand. Start-up costs involve access to water and cleaning supplies.
9. Children’s holiday programmes and babysitting. Parents seek reliable childcare and entertainment during school holidays. Security clearance, clear pricing, and strong references are crucial to build trust and grow your network.
10. Craft and design. Handcrafted items such as jewellery, clothing, beach wraps, and small souvenirs appeal to both tourists and locals. Start-up costs are low and are mainly time- and material-based. Focus on small impulse-buy items and sell them at markets or on local chat groups.
11. Photography services. Family shoots and year-end corporate events offer plentiful photography service opportunities.
Get ready to launch
Nicholson advises, “Having focused on your skills and picked one or two concepts that you could deliver well, the trick now is to match your skills to local demand, keep costs low, and manage risk and safety.”
JustMoney offers ten tips to help you successfully implement your side-hustle concept.
1. Establish your rates. Calculate ingredient, material, and/or equipment costs and an hourly rate. Add 20-30% for overheads.
2. Start small. Start with friends, in your local community, or at a weekend market.
3. Use grassroots marketing. Use WhatsApp and social media groups, and encourage referrals by offering small discounts to existing customers.
4. Manage cash flow. Keep daily records of sales and costs. Avoid large upfront stock purchases until demand is proven.
5. Follow regulations. Check municipal trading bylaws, food safety rules, and insurance for higher-risk activities. Get written permission for trading at private venues.
6. Scale wisely. Reinvest income into the most profitable offerings, automate bookings using free platforms such as Fresha, and consider partnering or subcontracting over peak times.
7. Procure payment devices or download apps. Many customers prefer instant digital payments. Yoco, SnapScan and others offer simple, low-cost options.
8. Cover risk. Consult a broker about basic liability cover for events or equipment rental.
9. Keep records. File slips and paperwork to make tax time easier.
10. Ensure safety. Work in pairs for mobile vending. Share information on delivery runs and your itinerary with a friend, colleague, or family member.
By choosing strategic and focused side hustles, you can turn your skills, interests, and resources into a meaningful income stream, concludes Nicholson.
“In addition to the extra income, side ventures can sharpen business skills, build your confidence about managing money, and create a sense of control over your finances,” she says.
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