Top Apps That Make Money in South Africa (2025 Edition)

 Top Apps That Make Money in South Africa (2025 Edition)

By Dumisani Shongwe


In today’s digital age, your smartphone is more than a communication tool — it’s a potential money-making machine. With the right apps, you can earn extra income whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, stay-at-home parent, or just looking to hustle on the side. South Africa has seen a surge in the popularity of mobile money-making apps, and many people are already cashing in.


Here’s a comprehensive list of the top money-making apps in South Africa that are helping users earn real income in 2025:



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1. SurveyNow


Category: Surveys & Opinion Sharing

Platform: Android, iOS

Average Earning: R5–R50 per survey


SurveyNow pays users to participate in market research. Companies want to know what South Africans think about their products, and you get paid for your opinions. Surveys are short and simple, and the app pays in airtime, vouchers, or EFT transfers. Ideal for students and people with a bit of free time.


Pros:


Easy to use


No experience needed


Airtime and cash rewards



Cons:


Surveys aren’t always available


Limited earnings per day




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2. Sweatcoin


Category: Health & Fitness

Platform: Android, iOS

Average Earning: R50–R200/month (in rewards)


Want to get paid for walking? Sweatcoin tracks your steps and rewards you with digital coins that can be redeemed for discounts, fitness gear, or gift cards. It encourages a healthy lifestyle while earning.


Pros:


Promotes fitness


Free to use


Great for people who walk a lot



Cons:


Limited payout options in cash


Slower earning rate




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3. Upwork / Fiverr


Category: Freelance Work

Platform: Android, iOS, Web

Average Earning: R100–R10,000+ depending on skill


If you have digital skills (writing, graphic design, web development, voice-over, etc.), Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms. You set your own prices and work with clients around the world. Many South Africans make full-time incomes through these apps.


Pros:


Unlimited earning potential


Global client base


Builds your professional brand



Cons:


Competitive


Takes time to build reputation




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4. Field Agent SA


Category: Micro-jobs

Platform: Android, iOS

Average Earning: R10–R200 per task


Field Agent pays users to complete small tasks such as checking prices in stores, taking product photos, or answering retail-related questions. It’s great if you move around town often and want to earn extra while running errands.


Pros:


Real cash payments


Simple tasks


Quick payouts



Cons:


Tasks are location-based


Limited availability in smaller towns




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5. TikTok (with Creator Fund & Sponsorships)


Category: Social Media Content Creation

Platform: Android, iOS

Earning Potential: R500–R100,000+ monthly (top creators)


TikTok is more than entertainment — it’s a business platform. South African creators who go viral can earn through TikTok’s Creator Fund, live gifts, and brand sponsorships. If you're creative or funny, this could be a goldmine.


Pros:


High earning potential


Global exposure


Influencer deals



Cons:


Requires consistency and creativity


Building a following takes time




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6. Yoco App (for Entrepreneurs)


Category: Business Tools / Sales

Platform: Android, iOS

Earning Potential: Depends on business


If you run a small business or side hustle, the Yoco app lets you accept card payments using a Yoco device. It’s essential for spaza shop owners, home-based businesses, or market vendors in South Africa.


Pros:


Enables easy payment from customers


Helps small businesses grow


Affordable card machines



Cons:


Requires a card reader device


Transaction fees apply




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7. FoondaMate (for Students & Tutors)


Category: Education

Platform: WhatsApp, Web

Earning Potential: R50–R500 per session (for tutors)


FoondaMate offers an AI-powered educational assistant via WhatsApp, but it also connects students with tutors. If you're good in math, science, or languages, you can apply to tutor others and get paid for your time.


Pros:


Perfect for university students


Paid tutoring gigs


Popular platform



Cons:


Requires subject knowledge


Payment varies by subject and hours




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8. Taptap Send


Category: Financial Services

Platform: Android, iOS

Earning Potential: Referral Bonuses (R50–R250 per referral)


This app lets South Africans receive or send money internationally. You can earn by referring others to sign up and send money. Each successful referral earns you a bonus.


Pros:


Easy to earn through referrals


No cost to join


Trusted platform



Cons:


Only for people with a network to refer


Not a long-term income stream




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Final Thoughts


Earning money through apps in South Africa is no longer a dream — it’s reality. Whether you have a few minutes to spare or full digital skills to monetize, there’s an app for you. Some apps offer small rewards, while others can build into a full-time income with effort and dedication.


Tips to Maximize Earnings:


Sign up for multiple apps to increase your chances.


Be consistent — most apps reward frequent users.


Avoid scams — only use verified apps from the Google Play Store or App Store.


Use apps that suit your lifestyle. If you're always on t

he move, Field Agent may work. If you’re at home, surveys and freelancing may be better.



Start today — your phone could be your next source of income!



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