How to Make Money as a Teenager in South Africa

Many South African teens look for ways to earn extra money while balancing school, hobbies, and family responsibilities. This guide highlights practical, teen-friendly options—from part-time jobs to online gigs—along with safety tips and simple planning steps.

Understanding the basics for teen work

Teens can work part-time in many settings, but hours and tasks may be guided by school commitments and local rules. Talk with a parent or guardian and your school about after-school availability. Start small, build reliability, and choose tasks that fit your schedule.

Legal and safety reminders

• Check your school's policies about after-school work and any homework expectations.
• Get parental consent and ensure tasks are safe and age-appropriate.
• Protect personal information online and avoid sharing bank details or passwords with strangers.

Where teens can look for teen-friendly jobs in South Africa

• Local shops, cafés, supermarkets, and malls with teen-friendly policies
• After-school programs, libraries, community centers, and holiday programs
• Family-owned businesses and neighborhood gigs like lawn care, pet-sitting, or tutoring neighbors’ kids

Popular part-time jobs for teens

• Retail roles in stores or fast-food outlets after school and on weekends
• Newspaper delivery or mail runs (where available locally)
• Garden work, car washing, babysitting or pet-sitting for neighbors
• Tutoring younger students in subjects you excel at

Gigs, tutoring, and freelance work

• Tutoring classmates or younger kids in a subject you’re confident in
• Freelance tasks like basic graphic design, social media help for clubs or small businesses
• Micro-services for neighbors (errands, simple digital tasks) with supervision

Online earning ideas for teens

• Online tutoring or language practice with younger learners
• Creating simple content (blogs, videos, social posts) for clubs or small projects
• Completing age-appropriate micro-tasks or surveys on reputable platforms with parental oversight

Money management and safety tips

• Set a money plan: save a portion, spend thoughtfully, and track earnings
• Prioritize safety: meet people in public places, never share sensitive information
• Balance work with school and rest; don’t sacrifice homework or health

Getting started today

• List 3 tasks you can do after school or on weekends
• Ask a parent to help you reach out to a store, club, or neighbor
• Create a simple resume or bio describing your reliability and interests