Empowering Township Women: Lucrative Side Hustles For 2025

In South Africa’s vibrant townships, women are increasingly turning to side hustles to supplement their income and achieve financial independence. These entrepreneurial ventures not only provide additional revenue streams but also foster community development and empowerment. 

Here are some viable side hustles tailored for women residing in South African townships: 

1. Starting Your Own Spaza Shop 

Spaza shops are informal convenience stores integral to township life, offering daily essentials to local communities. Starting a spaza shop can be a profitable venture with relatively low startup costs but it is essential that all food safety standards are adhered to and that your business is registered with your municipality as a spaza shop. 

How to Start: 

Location Selection: Choose a spot with high foot traffic to ensure consistent customer flow. 

Product Sourcing: Stock essential items like maize meal, bread, and toiletries. 

Compliance: Stay updated with local regulations and health standards to operate legally and safely. 

Note: Recent health inspections have emphasised the importance of adhering to food safety standards in spaza shops. Ensure compliance to maintain community trust and avoid potential closures. 

2. Home-Based Catering and Baking 

If you have a passion for cooking or baking, offering homemade meals or baked goods can be a lucrative side hustle. There’s a steady demand for affordable, tasty food within township communities. 

How to Start: 

Menu Planning: Develop a simple, cost-effective menu featuring popular dishes or treats. 

Marketing: Promote your offerings through word of mouth, local community boards, and social media platforms. 

Delivery: Offer delivery services to cater to customers unable to pick up orders themselves. 

3. Laundry and Ironing Services 

Providing laundry and ironing services addresses a common need in the community, especially for working individuals and families. This side hustle requires minimal investment and can be operated from home. 

How to Start: 

Equipment: Invest in quality detergents and irons. 

Pricing: Set competitive rates based on local market standards. 

Promotion: Advertise your services through community networks and local advertising. 

4. Hair and Beauty Services 

Offering hairdressing, braiding, or beauty services caters to the grooming needs of the community. With proper training, this side hustle can become a sustainable income source. 

How to Start: 

Skill Development: Attend local workshops or online courses to enhance your skills. 

Equipment: Purchase essential beauty tools and products. 

Clientele Building: Offer services to friends and family initially, then expand through referrals and local advertising. 

5. Childcare Services 

Providing babysitting or early childhood education services meets the needs of working parents and contributes positively to community welfare. 

How to Start: 

Certification: Obtain basic childcare certifications to ensure safety and professionalism. 

Safe Environment: Create a child-friendly space equipped with toys and learning materials. 

Networking: Connect with local parents and advertise your services through community channels. 

6. Tutoring and Educational Support 

Assisting students with their studies can be a fulfilling and profitable side hustle, especially with the ongoing emphasis on education. 

How to Start: 

Subject Expertise: Identify subjects you excel in and can confidently teach. 

Materials: Gather relevant teaching materials and resources. 

Promotion: Offer your services to local schools, community centres, and through online platforms. 

Starting a side hustle not only provides additional income but also fosters personal growth and community development. For women in South African townships, the opportunities are abundant. By leveraging existing skills and identifying community needs, township women can embark on successful entrepreneurial journeys, contributing to their financial independence and the economic vitality of their communities.