Jobox wants to change the South African freelancing market

From graphic designers to personal chefs, micro job freelancing platform Jobox looks to change the way the freelance market in South Africa works.

According to Darryn Rabec, co-founder of Jobox, the platform looks to serve as the central hub for freelance work, which is currently unsatisfied in the South African market.

“The need for a platform of this nature is unmet in South Africa. International players do not adequately cater to the South African market. The biggest issues of using them being extremely inconvenient payout methods, foreign income tax complications, and currency conversion issues,” says Rabec.

Co-founded by Rabec and Sbusiso Buna, the bootstrapped startup will be launching in March — after a successful beta test — and Jobox will be completely free to sign up for freelancers and clients

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By registering, freelancers will be able to find projects suited to them, showcase their skills and expertise, and not have to worry about payment facilities. Clients will have access to freelancers, be able to rate and review them, and obtain a range of quotes for their project.

“One of the biggest points of value for both a freelancer and a client on Jobox is the ability to build a reputation through our rating system, once they complete a micro job,” says Rabec.

Payment will be handled by Jobox’s secure and built-in system. The payment will stay in escrow until the job is complete, which means clients won’t pay for an incomplete job. “Jobox’s payment escrow service removes risk from the equation,” adds Rabec.

Jobox will also facilitate student freelancers, who will gain the experience needed and work on the projects they want to. When asked if student freelancers are paid, Rabec replied with: “Yes, not only are student freelancers paid, but they can expect to earn better rates than in typical student jobs.”

Read more: 3 ways a freelance designer can freshen up your website

Jobox caters to a substantial market in South Africa whose needs are completely unmet, according to a press release sent to Ventureburn.

Rebec says the company looks to expand into the rest of Africa once the concept has been proven locally. The current business model will also be used to target industries beyond freelancing.

“Jobox aims to reach the critical mass required for the network to be a value proposition with a rollout plan that procures both the freelancer and client side of the market. Keep an eye out for a fantastic referral campaign,” concludes Rabec.