editor — September 29, 2025 
Five Kasi Side Hustles
Today we will be sharing Kasi side hustle ideas. We understand times are tough, and given that South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates, it is fair that we share these ideas to empower you.
1. Spaza Shop
The obvious choice is a spaza shop. We all know how spaza shops are synonymous with townships. A spaza shop can be costly to start, but if you begin from home, you can gradually scale up and save money on rent. Start with one item, like popcorn or ice creams (or preferably both, depending on the season). Then, add another high-demand item such as vetkoek or chips. Eventually, you can expand to include drinks, bread, etc.
2. Car Wash
Car washes are popular in the townships. In every township, there are hundreds of taxis waiting to be washed daily, which is why car washes are a great opportunity. You can start by offering your services for free for marketing purposes, like washing your neighbours’ cars. Eventually, word will get out and you can start dominating. For tools and equipment, start with affordable items like a bucket, washing cloths, car polish, and car shampoo. After you make a profit, you can add tools like a vacuum cleaner, a carport for shade, and eventually a pressure cleaner. Pricing will obviously depend on your market and clientele. You could start with R70 for smaller cars, R100 for medium cars, and R150 – R200 for larger cars. This will depend on your location and clients, so be sure not to overcharge or undercharge.
3. Sell Purified Water on the Street
It is now spring, and we are rapidly approaching summer, so it’s getting scorching hot outside. People need ice and cold water, especially motorists. What’s interesting about this business idea is that it is not expensive. Recently, there has been a rise in affordable purified water services and products, especially in retail stores where you can buy purified water from a machine for R1 per litre. You can buy bottles and sell the purified water for an extra R5 to R7 profit in the townships, especially during weekends, at township parks, or near stadiums.
4. Delivery Service
If you own a bike or a small trolley, you can start a delivery service in your Kasi for close to nothing or with zero investment. Share your contact number and services by advertising your business in community groups or pinning a poster at spaza shops (they usually don’t mind). You can also make an arrangement with spaza shops to deliver groceries for them when customers buy large quantities, delivering the goods to their homes.
5. Rental Agency
Everyone is looking for accommodation in the townships, but there is rarely a reliable and centralized platform to find rooms or for landlords to advertise. The solution is an agency that satisfies both parties. Imagine a Kasi rental apartment goes for R1200; the agent could receive R300 for facilitating the arrangement and ensuring the tenant and landlord live harmoniously. Obviously, more work will be done by the middleman, including vetting the tenant. A portion of that money could also be set aside for repairs and emergencies. This is a more complicated business idea, but it can be managed.
All of these business ideas are subject to price increases and are merely suggestions. They are not quick, easy money schemes. More research must be done for the business to succeed. If you think you have what it takes to start your side hustle, give it a try!
For more tips, you can find us at admin@mykasijob.co.za.