Best freelance, gig and earning platforms in South Africa
South Africa's local earning platforms cover e-commerce, home services, driving and data work. Takealot, the country's largest online retailer, runs a marketplace where more than 11,000 third-party sellers were active in 2024, and Bob Shop, the marketplace formerly called bidorbuy, lets people sell goods online. SweepSouth connects vetted cleaners and home workers with clients in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other cities, Bolt recruits drivers and Bolt Food couriers, and Zindi runs AI and data science challenges with prizes. Yoco and Paystack help small businesses accept card and online payments. Money is in rand (ZAR). PayPal accounts registered in South Africa can receive payments, and PayPal lists withdrawals to a linked local bank account through a third-party provider at 2.0% plus USD 1.50, plus the provider's fees. Wise sends ZAR to South African accounts, Upwork pays out to local banks in ZAR, and Chipper Cash lists South Africa among its six markets. Tip: compare that PayPal cost with Upwork's USD 0.99 Direct to Local Bank fee.
Updated · how we verify platforms
South Africa at a glance
Platform types: 2 card processing platforms, 1 marketplace, 1 ride platform, 1 delivery platform, 1 payment receiving platform, 1 task platform, 1 big marketplace and 1 prize competition
How they pay out: Bank transfer (8)
On this page: Local platforms (9) How to get paid (9 confirmed) Global platforms that accept you (48)
Local platforms in South Africa, compared
| Platform | Type | Fees / commission | Pays via | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bob Shop
|
Online marketplace | Free listings most categories, category-based success fee (capped R5000) | Payout to South African bank account | 1999 |
Bolt
|
Mobility company | 15-20% commission per ride depending on city | Bank transfer | 2013 |
Bolt Food
|
Food delivery platform | — | — | 2019 |
Chipper Cash
|
Money transfer app | Free P2P within network, FX markup cross-border | Bank transfer, mobile money cash-out | 2018 |
Paystack
|
Payment processor | From 1.5% per local transaction | Bank transfer | 2015 |
SweepSouth
|
Home services platform | Free to join - platform keeps 4-20% of booking | Bank transfer | 2014 |
Takealot
|
Online marketplace | Success fee 4-18% by category + ~R400/mo account fee | Bank transfer (South Africa) | 2011 |
Yoco
|
Payment processor | 2.6-2.95% per card transaction | Bank payout 1-3 days, instant for fee | 2015 |
Zindi
|
Data science competitions | Free to enter, host-funded cash prizes | Bank transfer, Mobile money | 2018 |
Bob ShopSouth Africa leading online auction and marketplace where sellers list goods.
bobshop.co.za44 viewsBoltA European mobility platform offering ride-hailing, scooters, and food delivery across 45+ countries. Drivers and couriers sign up in the ap…
bolt.eu94 viewsBolt FoodBolt food-delivery arm where couriers earn delivering restaurant orders across Europe and Africa.
food.bolt.eu65 viewsChipper CashA pan-African app for sending and receiving money across borders and locally.
chippercash.com44 viewsPaystackThe Stripe-owned processor built for Africa - Nigerian, Ghanaian, South African, and Kenyan businesses accept cards, mobile money, and bank…
paystack.com47 viewsSweepSouthA South African platform connecting home cleaning professionals with households. SweepStars choose their working days and are paid weekly.
sweepsouth.com51 viewsTakealotSouth Africa biggest online retailer, whose marketplace program lets local sellers list alongside retail stock.
takealot.com41 viewsYocoA South African payments company letting small businesses accept card payments with readers.
yoco.com45 viewsZindiAfrica data science competition platform, connecting African data scientists with paid challenges from companies and NGOs.
zindi.world62 viewsHow to get paid in South Africa
Payment services whose official country lists include South Africa. Check that the platform you join pays out to at least one of them, or to a local bank.
Lemon SqueezyStore activation needs a questionnaire and ID check (about 2-3 business days), payouts go by bank in listed countries or by PayPal elsewhere.
PayPalNot available in Pakistan or Bangladesh, and in some listed countries accounts may only send or cannot withdraw locally, so check in the app.
PaystackYou'll need: A bank account
Unregistered Starter Businesses are allowed except in Egypt but have a lifetime collection limit. Nigerians need a BVN.
MTN MoMoMTN lists these markets but MoMo rules, fees and limits are set by each local MTN company, so check your country's MTN site.
YocoYou'll need: A smartphone, A bank account
South African sole traders can sign up without a registered company, but payouts must go to a bank account in their own name.
FlutterwaveYou'll need: A bank account
Unregistered Starter or Individual accounts are allowed. Nigerians need a BVN and NIN.
GreyGives USD, GBP and EUR receiving accounts for foreign clients and platforms like Upwork, Deel and Payoneer, payments from sanctioned countries fail.
WiseOnly residents of listed countries can hold money and get account details, so Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and India cannot receive.
PaddleFor software and digital products only, individuals can sell, and payouts go monthly by wire or Payoneer once you reach $100.
Not available for receiving money in South Africa: NayaPay, bKash, CIH Bank, Mercado Pago, M-Pesa, PayPay, Paytm, Mollie, SadaPay, Razorpay, Stripe, Bancontact Pay, PicPay, Tikkie, Midtrans, MoMo, PayMongo, AlipayHK, ChapChap, Nequi, Tenpo, TrueMoney, Chipper Cash, dLocal, Easypaisa, Khalti, OPay, Telebirr, ExpressPay, GCash, Fawry, JazzCash, Revolut, Xendit, Zalopay, CashPlus, Monobank, Square, Yape, Maya, Vipps, Wave, Daviplata, Hubtel, Toss, Uala.
Global platforms that accept people in South Africa
Each one's official sign-up or terms pages list the countries it accepts, and South Africa is on the list. Check them against your age and what you have →
Freelance sites 6
UpworkYou'll need: A computer
You need a verified ID, an approved profile and a tax form (W-8BEN outside the US) before withdrawing. Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are also restricted.
FiverrYou'll need: A computer
Fiverr can ask any seller for a government ID to confirm you are 18+, and PayPal withdrawals arrive in about 24 hours with a $1 minimum.
ToptalYou'll need: A computer, Good English, A skills test
Fewer than 3 percent pass the English interview, skills tests, live screening and 1-3 week test project.
GuruYou'll need: A computer
Free Basic plan gives 10 bids a month with a 9 percent job fee, paid plans from $11.95/mo add bids and lower fees.
PeoplePerHourYou'll need: A computer
Profiles are reviewed within 2 business days and new earnings clear 14 days after the invoice is approved.
FreelancerYou'll need: A computer
Identity verification is required before withdrawing, and your first withdrawal can be held up to 15 days.
Music distribution platforms 4
AmuseThere is no free plan now, the cheapest Artist plan costs $23.99 a year.
CD BabyOne-time $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album, payout within 15 business days of hitting your $25 default threshold, W-9 or W-8 required.
DistroKidAges 13-17 need parent or guardian consent, and you pay the annual fee by credit card.
TuneCoreAges 13-17 need parent consent, artists outside the US sign with Believe International instead of TuneCore.
Ride platforms 3
inDriveYou'll need: A smartphone, A car, A driver's licence
Operates in about 48 countries, and drivers can counter the passenger's offered fare in the app.
BoltYou'll need: A smartphone, A car, A driver's licence
Phone must run Android 9 or iOS 16 or newer, and Bolt partners can rent you a car if you do not own one.
UberYou'll need: A smartphone, A car, A driver's licence, Vehicle insurance, A background check
US drivers must meet the local minimum age and need 1 year of US driving experience (3 years if under 25).
Tutoring platforms 3
SuperprofFree to publish an ad with no commission, students pay you directly, but you must win your own students from profile views.
PreplyYou'll need: A computer, A webcam, A headset
Profiles reviewed within 3 business days, no certificate needed, but the first trial lesson with each new student pays 100% commission.
CamblyYou'll need: A computer, A webcam, Native-level language skills, Good English
No degree or certificate needed but tutors must be native English speakers and cannot tutor from California, Massachusetts or New Jersey.
Marketplaces 3
EtsyYou'll need: A bank account
Etsy Payments needs 18+, a card on file and a bank account, and sellers in 16 countries incl. Pakistan and India are paid via Payoneer.
StockXYou'll need: Products to sell
Sellers must live in a StockX seller country (Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt and Turkey cannot sell), and items ship to StockX for checks first.
GrailedYou'll need: A smartphone
Must be 16+ (18 in China) and pass a Persona government ID check, and you must connect a payment account before listing.
Microtask sites 2
ProlificYou'll need: A computer, A PayPal account
New sign-ups join a demographic waitlist that can take hours or months, and you must verify ID and live in a supported country.
Amazon Mechanical TurkYou'll need: A computer, A tax ID number
MTurk is closing on September 30 2026, so new workers should not sign up, and US persons living abroad were never supported.
Open source funding platforms 2
GitHub SponsorsYou'll need: A bank account, A tax ID number
Needs 2FA on GitHub, a bank account in the same supported region you live in and a W-9 or W-8BEN tax form, review takes a few days.
LiberapayYou'll need: A bank account
41 countries get Stripe bank payouts, the other 71 listed can only receive through PayPal, processor fees average 3 to 5 percent.
Creator platforms 2
GumroadYou'll need: A bank account
Listed countries get bank payouts, others PayPal only (no Payoneer or Wise), $100 minimum payout, and US sellers need an SSN.
PatreonYou'll need: A tax ID number
Under 18 needs a parent or guardian's permission, and you must give tax info or Patreon may withhold tax.
Stock marketplaces 2
ShutterstockYou'll need: A tax ID number
You need an approved tax form before any payout, and contributors in some countries face a 90-day waiting period.
EnvatoYou'll need: A portfolio or work samples, A tax ID number
New author applications are paused until further notice, when open they need portfolio review (about 30 days), tax info and an ID check.
Template marketplaces 2
CodeCanyonOfficial Envato author help blocked automated reading (HTTP 403) so eligibility could not be verified.
ThemeForestOfficial Envato author help blocked automated reading (HTTP 403) so eligibility could not be verified.
Print-on-demand platforms 2
RedbubbleYou'll need: A computer
Paid monthly by the 15th once you pass the payment threshold, via PayPal or bank transfer (US, AU and UK banks), and inactive accounts can be charged a fee.
ZazzleYou'll need: A computer, A PayPal account
Royalties are paid by PayPal (from $50) or check (from $100) within 45 days after month end, and tax forms are needed.
Bug bounty platforms 2
HackerOneYou'll need: A computer
Under 18 needs parental consent, and payouts need a Veriff ID check plus an approved tax form.
BugcrowdYou'll need: A computer
A Jumio ID check is required before reporting to managed programs, and payouts need a tax form plus bank transfer or PayPal.
Mentorship platforms 2
Clarity.fmExpert applications are reviewed on background, demand and profile completeness, and Clarity keeps a 15% fee on every call.
ADPListMentoring is unpaid volunteer work, applicants need 5+ years of industry experience and only about 30% are approved.
Photography gig platforms 2
FlytographerYou'll need: A camera, A portfolio or work samples, Good English
Needs 2+ years of paid lifestyle photography experience and conversational English, and only about 3% of applicants are accepted.
LocalgrapherYou'll need: A camera, A portfolio or work samples, Good English
Needs 3+ years of experience, professional gear with backups, very good English, and you must live in the destination you shoot.
Passive income apps 2
HoneygainMust be 18+ on your own home network (no shared or work networks) and payouts start at a $20 minimum.
GrassYou'll need: A computer
Terms bar minors and sanctioned regions (list not itemised) and rewards are points or tokens with no promised cash value.
Course platforms 2
SkillshareYou'll need: A computer, A portfolio or work samples
First-time teachers must be approved (English-language applications only) and earnings are forfeited while Tipalti payment setup is incomplete.
TeachableYou'll need: A computer, A bank account
No free plan (7-day trial), the Starter plan adds a 7.5% transaction fee, payouts can arrive within minutes of a sale.
Ticket resale platforms 2
viagogoOfficial pages blocked automated reading so eligibility is unverified.
StubHubOfficial seller pages blocked automated reading so eligibility is unverified.
Task platforms 1
BarkFree to create a profile but you buy credits (about 1.80 GBP each) to contact each lead, with no guarantee of being hired.
Social platforms 1
YouTubeYou'll need: An existing audience
Partner Program needs 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours (12 months) or 10M Shorts views (90 days), and an AdSense account.
Paid blogging platforms 1
MediumOfficial Medium pages blocked automated reading (HTTP 403) so Partner Program eligibility could not be verified.
Prize competitions 1
TopcoderYou'll need: A computer
Quebec, Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are also barred, winners pass an ID check and file a W-9 or W-8BEN, prizes paid within 90 days.
Big marketplaces 1
eBayYou'll need: A bank account
New private sellers get funds 2 to 7 days after delivery, and payouts go to a checking account or debit card, not PayPal.
Not available to people in South Africa (70)
Their official pages list the countries they accept, and South Africa isn't one of them right now: Coople, GoStudent, Glovo, Angkas, Swagbucks, Hipcamp, Outschool, Tutor.com, bol, Airtasker, Awign, Rappi, Lalamove, iFood, Instacart, Bykea, Jumia, Substack, Grab, Mrsool, Deliveroo, Uklon, 1111 Job Bank, Belay, foodpanda, Kickstarter, Lyft, Shopee, Talabat, TaskRabbit, DoorDash, Flipkart, Gojek, MercadoLibre, Talkspace, Zomato, Boldly, Lazada, Snapchat, Urban Company, Varsity Tutors, Vinted, Daraz, DiDi, Getir, Pathao, Thumbtack, TikTok, Turo, 104 Job Bank, Ola, Swiggy, Allegro, Depop, Poshmark, Whatnot, Grubhub, Wolt, Amazon Flex, BetterHelp, Getaround, Coupang, Kiva, Mercari, Rover, Ghost, OfferUp, Vivid Seats, Walmart Marketplace, GoFundMe.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best freelance and gig platforms in South Africa?
Takealot suits online sellers, Bob Shop (formerly bidorbuy) handles marketplace sales, SweepSouth offers cleaning and home-care work, Bolt and Bolt Food take on drivers and couriers, and Zindi runs AI and data science challenges with prizes. For remote freelance work, Upwork pays out to local banks in ZAR.
How do freelancers in South Africa get paid by international clients?
Options include PayPal, which South African accounts can use to receive payments, Wise, which sends ZAR to South African bank accounts, and marketplace payouts such as Upwork's Direct to Local Bank in ZAR at USD 0.99 per withdrawal. Chipper Cash also lists South Africa among the countries it serves.
Does PayPal work in South Africa?
Yes. PayPal accounts registered in South Africa can send and receive payments, and receiving personal payments is free without currency conversion. PayPal lists South Africa among markets where withdrawals to a linked local bank account go through a third-party service provider, at 2.0% plus USD 1.50, and the provider may charge extra.
Can people in South Africa work on Upwork and Fiverr?
Yes. Upwork supports Direct to Local Bank withdrawals in ZAR for USD 0.99 each, and your bank account name must match your verified Upwork name. Fiverr pays out through PayPal, Payoneer or bank transfer via Payoneer, requires you to be at least 18 to withdraw, and notes that each method has its own location restrictions.
What happened to bidorbuy?
bidorbuy is now Bob Shop. The old bidorbuy.co.za address redirects permanently to bobshop.co.za, and Bob Shop's help centre still hosts its bidorbuy knowledge base. Sellers are paid once their identity has been verified.