Side Hustle Report - 2023
The 2023 Side Hustle Survey gathered responses from over 6,000 South Africans with a side gig. We wanted to find out what motivates South Africans to pursue a side hustle and what challenges they face.
Gender
South Africans across the country were asked about their side hustles.
Ages
Over 45% of respondents aged 25-34 are pursuing a Side Hustle.
Day Job Income per Month
64% of respondents earned between R5,000 to R20,000.
Location
Side hustles have grown in popularity across the country, with Gauteng having the highest percentage.
Why people started a Side Hustle
48% of respondents reported having a side hustle to supplement their income.
Where people are running their Side Hustles from
An astounding 62% of respondents run their businesses from home, with 18% online.
Sustainability
Most respondents say their side hustle is self sustaining.
Funding
To start their side hustle, almost half of the respondents invested between R100 and R1,000.
Time spent on a Side Hustle
According to data, investing time in a side hustle might result in an increased income stream.
Side Hustle Earnings per month
82% earned between R100 - R5,000 from their side hustle.
Cost of Load Shedding on Side Hustles
Load shedding is having a severe impact on side hustlers, particularly those operating in the township economy, according to survey data. More than half of those polled (53%) say they have been negatively impacted. It's encouraging to note that a large proportion of side hustlers (38%), have embraced off-grid solutions.
The entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa
From the survey results, many respondents pursue side hustles out of a desire to start their own sustainable income-generating enterprises, highlighting South African entrepreneurship.
Data collected May 2023. Population estimates collected from StatsSA. Answers not totalling 100% were open-ended and multiple choice.
Download all survey results
Download our research pack, including an infographic & press release
