Side hustles to consider starting in 2026

With the rising cost of living in South Africa, many people have had to look at taking on a side hustle to manage financially.

"It is just crazy, the increases that we've witnessed in the cost of basics... electricity, food and shrinkflation – we're getting less for what we're paying," says Head of Communications at JustMoney, Erica Liebenberg.

Research shows that many South Africans have a permanent side hustle, as opposed to temporary quick fix solutions.

Liebenberg explains that these gigs often exist alongside a regular monthly income, and don't necessarily require special skills.

"The very popular ones are buying and selling online, making items to sell, and food sales... it doesn't 
need to be something complicated."

Liebenberg also says it's important that the side hustle is something enjoyable, as it will likely take up a lot of spare time.

Getting started is often the biggest hurdle, so she suggests looking at your currrent skills, interests and available resources.

"Start where you're at, start with what you have... anything that you can do that's going to save other people time, that is a winner." 

To listen to Erica Liebenberg in conversation with Saskia Falken, standing in for CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, click the audio below: