10 Tried-and-Tested Weekend Hustles to Make Extra Money Right Now

Cyril’s economy is tough. Prices for food, transport, and school supplies keep rising, and festive expenses are just around the corner. By October, many South Africans are asking:

“How will I put food on the table, buy Christmas clothes for the kids, and pay for January 2026 school costs?”

You don’t have to wait. Your weekends can become income days. Start small, act now, and by December you could have money to cover real needs.

There are about eight weekends left before the festive season. Even small hustles earning R300–R500 per weekend can add up to R2 400–R4 000; that is enough to make a meaningful difference. Thousands of South Africans are already doing it: selling snacks, cleaning, tutoring, or reselling online.

Quick Tip: Start with what’s around you. You don’t need fancy equipment to start earning.

Weekend Hustle Perks: Earn More, Learn More

Weekend hustles aren’t just extra cash, they’re a financial necessity.

1. Extra Money for Real Needs

• Food on the table
• Christmas clothes for kids
• School expenses in January

2. Build Valuable Skills

• Customer service, money management, and practical trade skills
• Tutoring or online services improves digital literacy

3. Flexibility and Control

• Work around your main job or studies
• Decide your hours, effort, and pricing

4. Test Business Ideas Safely

• Many small weekend hustles can grow into full-time businesses
• Minimal startup costs and low risk

5. Confidence and Connections

• Network with customers and local sellers
• Solve problems and build independence

Quick Tip: Don’t wait for the “perfect plan.” Start this weekend even small, consistent effort can grow into real results.

Top Weekend Hustles for 2025

1. Weekend Food Stall (Boerewors Rolls, Vetkoek, Snacks)

Food stalls are a classic and highly accessible weekend hustle across South Africa. From taxi ranks to events and local markets, people are always hungry especially on weekends.

Earning Potential

• R300–R800 per day on small setups
• Can grow to R1 500+ per weekend with multiple locations or larger customer base

What You Need to Get Started

• Small gas stove or braai stand
• Basic utensils (tongs, knives, serving spoons)
• Food ingredients (boerewors, rolls, oil, spices, etc)
• Containers or paper wraps for serving
• Optional: cooler box for drinks

Where to Find More Information

• Local municipal markets or trader associations
• YouTube tutorials on small food stall setups
• WhatsApp groups for township sellers

How to Advertise

• Word-of-mouth in your neighbourhood
• WhatsApp status and Facebook community pages and groups
• Posters at community hotpots/busy areas

Time Commitment

• 4–8 hours per day, including prep and serving
• Can be done fully in one day or spread over Saturday and Sunday

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business

• Very high, many small food vendors grow into regular weekend markets or full-time catering services

Safety Considerations

• Food hygiene: wear gloves, keep food covered
• Fire safety: be careful with gas stoves or braais

Compliance / Legal Requirements

• Food vendor permit (check with your local municipality)
• Health certificate may be required for serving cooked food

Location Considerations

• High foot traffic areas like taxi ranks, schools, sports grounds, and community events
• Avoid setting up in unsafe or low-traffic areas

Banking & Making It More Profitable/Formal

• Use a bank account to manage cash
• Keep records of sales and expenses to track profits
• Sell drinks, chips, or small extras to increase per-customer spend

Estimated Startup Cost

• R500–R1 000 for initial ingredients and small equipment
• Can start smaller if you borrow basic equipment from home

Quick “Get Started” Checklist

1. Decide on your food product(s) e,g boerewors rolls, vetkoek, or snacks etc
2. Source ingredients and basic equipment
3. Apply for necessary permits or check local rules
4. Pick a high-foot-traffic location for your first weekend
5. Advertise on WhatsApp Status and local Facebook groups
6. Set prices and prepare a small menu
7. Serve customers safely and keep track of earnings

2. Mobile Beauty or Hair Services

From braiding to nail art and make up, offering mobile beauty services is a smart way to earn on weekends without renting a salon. Clients love the convenience, and you can start with just a few basic tools.

Earning Potential

• R150–R400 per client (depending on the service and location)
• Weekend earnings can range from R600–R2 000 depending on bookings

What You Need to Get Started

• Basic kit for your chosen service:
  • Hair: combs, hair extensions, oils, treatments
  • Nails: nail polish, buffer, files, sanitizer
  • Facials or makeup: small kit, brushes, wipes, mirror
• Portable chair or table if needed
• A neat presentation and reliable transport (taxi or lift club is fine)

Where to Find More Information

• TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook tutorials on hair, makeup, and nail care
• Beauty training schools offering short weekend courses

How to Advertise

• Use WhatsApp Status, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram Reels to showcase before-and-after photos
• Offer referral discounts (“Bring a friend, get R20 off your next style”)
• Post at schools, churches, and taxi ranks where your clients spend time

Time Commitment

• Most services take 1–3 hours per client
• You can easily handle 2–4 clients per weekend day
• Flexible schedule: work only mornings, afternoons, or evenings

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business

• Very high: many stylists start part-time and later open home salons or beauty bars
• Can evolve into selling beauty products or training others

Safety Considerations

• Always maintain hygiene: sanitize tools, wash hands, and avoid sharing products
• Travel safely: schedule clients you trust or work in familiar areas

Compliance / Legal Requirements

• No formal licence required for small personal services
• If you expand to a full salon, you might need a business licence and health inspection approval

Location Considerations

• Travel to clients’ homes or offer services from your home (ensure it’s clean and well-lit)
• Partner with local events or host pop-up beauty corners at markets

Banking & Making It More Profitable/Formal

• Accept cash and digital payments to your bank account
• Keep a simple appointment and income tracker on your phone
• Upsell with add-ons, e.g., sell edge control, bonnets, or nail sets

Estimated Startup Cost

• R300–R1 000, depending on the service and equipment you already have
• You can start smaller by offering one core service (e.g., braiding or nails)

Quick “Get Started” Checklist

1. Pick your service (hair, nails, or Make-up)
2. Gather basic tools and supplies
3. Create a WhatsApp portfolio (photos + price list)
4. Promote locally, friends, neighbours, schools, and church groups
5. Offer a first-time discount to attract clients
6. Keep track of bookings and income each weekend
7. Use feedback to improve and grow

3. Laundry and Cleaning Gigs

Laundry never ends and that’s good news for you. Many people (especially working families, bachelors, and students) would rather pay someone to do their washing or clean their homes over the weekend. If you’re reliable, trustworthy, and good at what you do, this hustle can become a steady source of weekend income.

Earning Potential

• Laundry: R100–R300 per load, depending on size and ironing
• Cleaning gigs: R250–R600 per session
• Average weekend earnings: R600–R1 200, or more with repeat clients

What You Need to Get Started

• Washing machine (yours or a client’s), detergent, pegs, ironing board (if offering ironing)
• Basic cleaning tools (mop, broom, bucket, cloths, cleaning sprays)
• Reliable transport (or operate within walking distance)

Where to Find More Information

• Facebook groups and WhatsApp community boards for your area
• Local notice boards or churches (many people look for weekend help)
• Apps like SweepSouth (for cleaning work) or Gumtree (for local job posts)

How to Advertise

• Word-of-mouth and WhatsApp referrals, they work best for trust-based services
• Post short ads in local WhatsApp groups (“Reliable weekend laundry service in Soshanguve, affordable, fast turnaround!”)
• Share before/after photos or testimonials from happy clients

Time Commitment

• Flexible: 4 to 6 hours per day depending on workload
• Can be done Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business

• Medium to high: consistent clients can turn it into a small cleaning company
• You can later hire helpers and service multiple homes or offices

Safety Considerations

• Always confirm client details before entering a home
• Work with referrals or regular customers for safety
• Use gloves and proper ventilation when working with cleaning chemicals

Compliance / Legal Requirements

• No licence needed for domestic or laundry services
• Register a simple business (optional) if you want to formalize or hire others later

Location Considerations

• Offer services within your neighbourhood to save on transport
• Focus on residential complexes, student apartments, or family homes

Banking & Making It More Profitable/Formal

• Use your bank to receive payments, avoid holding too much cash
• Offer loyalty discounts (e.g., every 5th wash half-price)
• Combine services (laundry + cleaning = more income per visit)
• Track regular clients in a notebook or WhatsApp list

Estimated Startup Cost

• R200–R800, depending on what you already have at home
• Most of the tools are household items, so startup cost is very low

Quick “Get Started” Checklist

1. Choose what to offer: laundry, cleaning, or both
2. Prepare your tools and supplies
3. Create a short price list and WhatsApp poster
4. Offer your first service to a neighbour or relative for a testimonial
5. Advertise in local WhatsApp and Facebook groups
6. Deliver good service and ask for referrals
7. Keep a weekend income log to track your progress

4. Printing, Laminating & Stationery Sales

When the year winds down, parents and students start preparing for January buying stationery, printing application forms, and making copies of certificates for school or bursary applications. From October to early January, this becomes one of the busiest and most profitable weekend hustles. You don’t need a big shop, just a printer, laminator, and a few boxes of pens and exam pads can get you started.

Earning Potential:
You can make anywhere from R500 to R1,500 per weekend depending on your location and foot traffic, especially near taxi ranks, schools, or community centres.

What You Need to Get Started:

• A reliable printer/scanner (even an entry-level one)
• Laminator and pouches (available at stores like PEP Home or Makro)
• Basic stationery stock: pens, pencils, exam pads, rulers
• A small table or spot at a local market or spaza shop

Where to Find More Information:
You can source affordable equipment from Takealot, Loot, or local Cash Crusaders stores.

How to Advertise:

• Post your services in local WhatsApp and Facebook groups
• Offer “School Prep Specials” e.g. 10 pages printed + 1 free lamination
• Partner with a local tuck shop or salon to place flyers

Time Required:
You can set up and start selling within a single weekend. Once you have your materials, setup is quick and flexible.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Absolutely. Many small copy-and-print operators started this way before opening full stationery shops or offering digital services like CV typing and photo printing.

Safety & Compliance:

• If you operate in a public area, get permission from your local municipality or market association.
• Always back up your customers’ digital files to avoid data loss issues.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Use a separate bank account or digital wallet (like Capitec Business or TymeBank) to track your sales.
• Reinvest profits into higher-quality ink and bulk stationery stock to increase margins.

Reselling Festive Clothing & Accessories

Every year, South Africans spend big on December outfits, from Christmas dresses and summer sandals to matching family T-shirts. You don’t need to own a boutique to cash in. With a good eye for trends and a reliable supplier, you can start reselling clothing, shoes, and accessories from your phone or weekend stall.

Earning Potential:
Depending on your stock and audience, you can make R800–R2,000 per weekend. Margins are high if you buy wholesale and resell with a 30–50% markup.

What You Need to Get Started:

• Access to affordable clothing suppliers (try small wholesale hubs like Dragon City in Joburg, or online stores like Fashion World, Shein, or China Mall)
• A smartphone with WhatsApp and Facebook for marketing
• Starter stock of 10–20 items (T-shirts, kids’ clothes, accessories)
• Packaging (plastic sleeves or paper bags)
• Optional: portable clothing rail or table for market days

Where to Find More Information:

• Join Facebook groups like “Small Business SA” or “Resellers in SA” for supplier tips
• Check WhatsApp status resellers or Instagram thrift pages for inspiration
• Compare prices on Takealot, Zando, or Temu before buying

How to Advertise:

• Create a WhatsApp Business profile and post your items on Status daily
• Share clear photos with short descriptions and prices
• Offer group discounts or bundle deals (e.g., “Buy 2 T-shirts, get 10% off”)
• Ask satisfied customers to post pictures wearing your clothes and tag you

Time Required:
Once you have stock, you can start selling the same day. Managing sales, packaging, and drop-offs usually takes a few hours per weekend.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Definitely. Many township fashion sellers now operate online boutiques or market stalls full-time some even employ delivery riders or collaborate with local tailors.

Safety & Compliance:

• Always inspect supplier quality before bulk buying.
• If you sell at a local market, get permission or a trading permit from your municipality.
• Avoid fake-branded or counterfeit goods, they can lead to fines or confiscation.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Use a mobile POS (like Yoco or iKhokha) for card payments, it boosts sales.
• Keep track of sales in a simple Google Sheet or TymeBank Business account.
• Reinvest profits into trendy stock or seasonal lines like summer hats and sandals.

5. Photography, Videography & Kids’ Party Services

December is event season, weddings, birthdays, matric celebrations, family gatherings, and kids’ parties everywhere. If you have a decent phone camera or basic photography gear, you can easily turn your weekends into cash days. Parents and families are always looking for affordable photographers, MCs, DJs, or décor helpers, especially when big studios are fully booked or too expensive.

Earning Potential:
You can earn anywhere from R800 to R3,000 per event, depending on what you offer (photography only, or a full package including décor, music, or kids’ entertainment).

What You Need to Get Started:

• A smartphone with a good camera, or a basic DSLR if available
• Tripod or ring light for stable, quality photos
• Free editing apps like Canva, CapCut, or Snapseed
• Props or small décor items for kids’ setups (balloons, banners, tablecloths)
• Transport or a partner who can help with carrying gear

Where to Find More Information:

• Follow South African event suppliers on TikTok or Instagram for décor ideas
• Check YouTube tutorials on basic photo/video editing
• Join local event vendor WhatsApp groups to network and find gigs

How to Advertise:

• Post short clips or before/after photos on WhatsApp Status, Facebook, and TikTok
• Create a “Weekend Event Deals” poster, e.g., “1-hour photoshoot: R250 – perfect for family or birthday pictures!”
• Ask clients for permission to share their photos online (always tag your page or contact number)

Time Required:
Most small shoots take 1–3 hours, and you can start earning the same weekend you promote your services.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Definitely. Many small-town photographers started with one ring light and grew into studio owners or wedding specialists. It’s a scalable hustle add décor, catering, or kids’ entertainment, and you can run full events.

Safety & Compliance:

• Always agree on payment terms upfront (e.g., 50% deposit before event).
• Avoid sharing children’s photos online without parental consent.
• If you operate in public spaces (e.g., parks), confirm municipal photo permit rules.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Use Yoco or Ozow QR codes for instant digital payments.
• Keep records of clients and dates using Google Calendar or a simple diary.
• Reinvest profits into printing small photo albums or renting décor props.

6. Online Freelancing (Writing, Design & Virtual Admin)

If you have internet access and a laptop or smartphone, freelancing is one of the fastest-growing weekend hustles in South Africa. From graphic design and data entry to writing, transcription, or social media management, there are hundreds of short-term gigs you can do from home, all without leaving your day job or studies.

Earning Potential:
Beginners can earn R500–R1,500 per weekend, while skilled freelancers (writers, designers, editors) can make R3,000 or more once they build a steady client base.

What You Need to Get Started:

• A laptop or smartphone with reliable internet
• Basic skills in writing, typing, admin, or design
• Access to Canva, Google Docs, ChatGPT, or Grammarly for editing and layout
• A PayPal, Payoneer, or local bank account to receive payments

Where to Find More Information:

• Register on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, or NoSweat (South Africa-based)
• Join Facebook groups like “Freelancers South Africa” or “Remote Jobs SA”
• Learn free skills via YouTube tutorials or platforms like Coursera and Google Digital Skills Africa

How to Advertise:

• Showcase your work on LinkedIn, Facebook, or WhatsApp Business
• Ask past clients for testimonials and include them in your bio
• Create a simple Canva poster offering “Weekend Writing or Admin Support”

Time Required:
Depending on the task, you can complete most freelance jobs in 2–5 hours per weekend.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
High. Many South Africans have built 6-figure incomes working fully online. Once you master client management and quality delivery, freelancing can easily transition into a small business or agency.

Safety & Compliance:

• Avoid clients who refuse deposits or offer payment “after completion.”
• Always use secure payment platforms and contracts for larger projects.
• Keep your tax number handy if you plan to scale up SARS treats freelance income as taxable.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Keep a separate account for freelance payments.
• Reinvest in better software, faster internet, or a second device.
• Track earnings with free tools like Wave or Google Sheets.

7. Event Décor & Catering Assistance

If you’re creative and enjoy hands-on work, event décor and catering support can be a goldmine during the festive season. From setting up tables and balloons to plating food or assisting at weddings, there’s always demand — especially for reliable weekend help.

Earning Potential:
You can earn R500–R1,200 per event as an assistant, or much more if you provide your own décor or catering services.

What You Need to Get Started:

• A few basic décor supplies (tablecloths, fairy lights, ribbons, candles)
• Black-and-white uniform (for catering gigs)
• Reliable transport or lift club
• Good time management and presentation skills

Where to Find More Information:

• Follow South African event planners on TikTok and Facebook for trends
• Join WhatsApp vendor groups or local catering associations
• Visit China Town or Game for low-cost décor stock

How to Advertise:

• Post your setup photos or décor themes on Facebook Marketplace and community groups
• Offer “Weekend Décor Deals” for birthdays or baby showers
• Print a few flyers for nearby halls or churches

Time Required:
Setup and cleanup usually take 3–6 hours per event. Most work happens over weekends.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Very high. Many professional decorators started small, reinvesting their weekend earnings into more stock and forming partnerships with event planners.

Safety & Compliance:

• If you handle food, follow basic hygiene standards and wear gloves/hairnets.
• Avoid using candles or electrical items near children or fabric.
• Always confirm venue permissions before setup.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Request a 50% deposit upfront to avoid losses.
• Buy décor items in bulk — it’s cheaper long term.
• Use Yoco or SnapScan for easy on-site payments.

8. Recycling & Scrap Collection

Recycling is one of the most overlooked but profitable hustles, especially before the holidays when households declutter. From collecting cans and cardboard to scrap metal, it’s environmentally friendly and earns quick cash.

Earning Potential:
You can make R300–R1,000 per weekend, depending on the volume and type of materials collected.

What You Need to Get Started:

• Basic tools: gloves, trolley, bags
• Access to a local scrap or recycling centre (find one in your area via Google Maps)
• Knowledge of which materials fetch better prices (aluminium, copper, plastic bottles)

Where to Find More Information:

• Visit The Glass Recycling Company or PETCO South Africa websites for recycling guides
• Talk to your local scrapyard to understand rates and sorting requirements
• Watch YouTube videos on recycling for beginners

How to Advertise:

• Tell neighbours and small businesses you collect recyclables for cash
• Offer free collection for cardboard, cans, and bottles
• Print small posters for shops, taverns, or schools

Time Required:
A few hours per weekend. You can collect on Saturdays and drop off at recycling depots on Sundays.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Yes — some South Africans now operate registered recycling companies that collect from schools and businesses weekly.

Safety & Compliance:

• Wear protective gloves and shoes.
• Avoid handling sharp or contaminated materials.
• Register with your municipality or co-op if you plan to scale operations.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Keep a record of depot payments and weigh slips.
• Partner with others to collect in bulk — higher volume = better pay.
• Open a Capitec Business or TymeBank account to formalise income.

9. Transport & Errand Services

If you own or have access to a car or bakkie, you can turn weekends into income days by helping people move furniture, deliver groceries, or run small errands. It’s flexible, simple, and in constant demand — especially around the holidays.

Earning Potential:
You can earn R200–R1,000 per trip, depending on distance and cargo size.

What You Need to Get Started:

• Access to a car, bakkie, or trailer
• Valid driver’s licence and up-to-date vehicle papers
• WhatsApp Business account for bookings
• Optional: small signage or poster (“Local Deliveries Available – Call/WhatsApp”)

Where to Find More Information:

• Register on local gig apps like Yebo Fresh, Droppa, or Mr D Courier Partner
• Join Facebook community groups (“Need a lift in Soweto,” “Local Bakkie Hire”)
• Talk to spaza shops or event vendors who often need small transport help

How to Advertise:

• Use WhatsApp Status to post your weekend availability
• Stick a printed A4 advert on your car or gate
• Partner with local shops or markets that need deliveries

Time Required:
Flexible — you can schedule jobs in 2–4-hour blocks over weekends.

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:
Yes. Many small-scale drivers expand into local courier services, grocery deliveries, or school transport.

Safety & Compliance:

• Always verify the client and destination before accepting goods.
• Keep a delivery log and collect deposits upfront.
• Make sure your car insurance covers commercial or delivery use.

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Track fuel costs carefully and charge fair mileage fees.
• Accept EFT or mobile payments to avoid carrying cash.
• Reinvest in branding (e.g., magnetic signs, business cards).

10. Babysitting Services

During the holidays, parents need reliable help to look after their children while they shop, attend festive events, or work extra hours. Babysitting is straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and pays well for short weekend hours.

Earning Potential:

• R80–R150 per hour depending on location and number of children
• Weekend bookings (3–6 hours) can bring in R400–R900 per day

What You Need to Get Started:

• Basic childcare skills
• A safe space to supervise children (home, community hall, or client’s house)
• Optional: toys, colouring books, or board games to keep kids engaged

Where to Find More Information:

• Facebook and WhatsApp community groups for parents
• Local community centres or churches
• Online platforms like Find-a-Sitter (SA-based)

How to Advertise:

• Post a short WhatsApp Status or flyer: “Reliable Babysitting This Weekend – Ages 2–10”
• Ask previous clients or neighbours for referrals
• Partner with holiday activity or party service providers to cross-promote

Time Required:

• Sessions typically 3–6 hours, can do multiple bookings per weekend

Potential to Become a Full-Time Business:

• Medium — you can scale by hiring other trusted sitters or offering holiday care packages

Safety & Compliance:

• Always confirm parental emergency contacts and allergies
• Never leave children unsupervised
• Get permission from parents before taking children outside the home

Banking & Profit Tips:

• Use EFT or SnapScan for easy payment
• Offer loyalty rates for repeat clients
• Keep track of hours in a simple diary or Google Sheet

Learn more: The Unexpected Benefits of Freelancing in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which weekend hustle makes money the fastest?
Food sales, reselling, and photography can bring in income the same weekend you start.

2. Do I need a business license to start a weekend hustle?
Not for most small gigs. However, public trading spots (like markets) often require permits from the local municipality.

3. What’s the cheapest hustle to start?
Recycling and freelancing — both need little or no capital.

4. Can I run multiple hustles at once?
Yes, but focus on one main hustle to build consistency and income before adding another.

5. How do I promote my hustle for free?
Use WhatsApp Status, Facebook Marketplace, and local community groups — they’re powerful, free tools.

6. What if I have no equipment or capital?
Start with services, not products — cleaning, errand running, or tutoring. You can grow from there.

7. How do I handle payments safely?
Use SnapScan, Yoco, or EFTs. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

8. Are weekend hustles safe?
Mostly, yes — just verify customers, avoid isolated work spots, and let someone know your schedule.

9. What if my hustle fails?
Treat it as a lesson, not a loss. Adjust pricing, try a new area, or switch to another idea.

10. How can I formalise my side hustle?
Open a business account, register with the CIPC, and track your income. It helps if you ever apply for funding.

Additional Resources

• Free Business Plan Template: www.sefa.org.za
• Poster Template: Use Canva.com and search “small business poster SA”
• AI Tools to Help You:
  • ChatGPT: For writing ads, replies, and business ideas
  • Canva: For posters, menus, and pricing sheets
  • CapCut: For video editing and social media promos

Start Small, Start This Weekend

Weekend hustles aren’t side projects they’re survival and growth plans in today’s economy. Whether you’re printing certificates, reselling festive clothes, or freelancing online, every extra rand you earn now brings you closer to a stress-free December.

Don’t wait for “someday.” Start this weekend, your first sale, client, or booking might be the start of something much bigger.