Over 30% of South Africans have a side hustle 

A recent poll conducted by South African eCommerce platform Gumtree has indicated that 31.5% of locals have either started a secondary job on the side or have transformed their side hustle into their main source of income. 

31.5% of South Africans have a second job or side hustle

In addition, the poll discovered that 46% of South Africans are considering an additional job or side hustle. 

The economic impacts of the pandemic resulted in many South Africans losing their job or receiving a pay decrease and as a response locals have created their own businesses or adopted a second job to establish a secondary source of income.

Side hustles are businesses that individuals establish on their and conduct in their free time. It can also be understood as SMEs. 

Estelle Nagel, brand marketing manager at Gumtree highlights the importance of SMEs in economic regeneration and job creation.

“Small and medium enterprises contribute to approximately 20% of South Africa’s GDP and employ around 47% of its workforce – clear proof that we are truly a nation of enterprising people. We always somehow seem to make a plan to carry on when the going gets tough, with side hustles being a major source of income for many,” says Estelle Nagel, brand marketing manager at Gumtree.

The poll demonstrates South African’s desire to overcome economic strife and create an established business of their own that is profitable and has high-growth potential. 

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Featured image: Marvin Meyer via Unsplash