Owning a car in South Africa can be more than a convenience — it can be a reliable income-producing asset. Whether you drive a small hatchback, a bakkie, or an SUV, there are several legitimate and creative ways to make your vehicle pay for itself. Below are the best strategies to help you start earning money with your car, even if you only drive part-time.
1) Drive for ride-hailing apps
What it is: Registering your car with rideshare platforms such as Bolt, Uber, or inDriver to transport passengers.
Why it works: The demand for affordable, safe rides continues to grow in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Lusaka border towns. You can work flexible hours, choose your own routes, and earn weekly.
Requirements:
- A roadworthy car (usually model year 2012 or newer)
- Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
- Clean criminal record
- Valid South African driver’s license
Earning potential: Full-time drivers can earn R6,000–R15,000+ per month depending on hours, city, and fuel efficiency.
2) Offer food or parcel delivery services
What it is: Partner with delivery platforms such as Mr D, Uber Eats, Takealot Delivery Team, or Pargo for last-mile delivery.
Why it works: Online shopping and food delivery are booming in South Africa. You can work part-time, evenings, or weekends.
Requirements: A small, fuel-efficient car, a smartphone with GPS, and a clean driving record.
Earning potential: R25–R50 per delivery, averaging R4,000–R10,000 monthly with consistent work.
3) Rent your car out
What it is: Instead of driving, lease your car to other drivers or short-term renters.
Why it works: Many people need cars temporarily but can’t afford ownership costs. Car rental and ride-share subleasing are profitable options, especially in high-demand cities.
How to start:
- Create a written agreement protecting both parties.
- Vet the driver’s ID, license, and driving history.
- Use GPS tracking or smart locks for monitoring.
Earning potential: R2,000–R7,000+ per month depending on the car type and rental frequency.
4) Use your car for advertising
What it is: Wrap your car with an advertisement or vinyl stickers for brands. You drive as usual and earn monthly.
Why it works: Companies pay for visibility on high-traffic routes. The better your daily mileage and city exposure, the higher your pay.
Earning potential: R1,500–R4,000 per month depending on distance and campaign.
5) Become a private driver or chauffeur
What it is: Provide on-demand rides for clients, especially in business districts or tourism hubs.
Why it works: Tourists, executives, and wedding parties often need reliable, private transportation. You can market your services through social media or local classifieds.
Earning potential: R300–R800 per trip or hourly contracts for events.
6) Start a local shuttle service
What it is: Use your car to transport groups of people, such as school kids, employees, or church members.
Why it works: Many communities lack reliable transport for schools or workplaces. This model can become a full-time business.
Requirements:
- Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
- Passenger insurance and reliable scheduling
- Necessary municipal permits if transporting for a fee
Earning potential: R6,000–R20,000 per month depending on routes and number of passengers.
7) Offer airport transfers
What it is: Provide affordable pickups and drop-offs to and from airports in your city.
Why it works: Tourists, business travelers, and students regularly need dependable airport transport — and are willing to pay for convenience and punctuality.
Pro tip: Partner with local guesthouses or Airbnb hosts to get recurring clients.
8) Run a mobile business from your car
Examples:
- Mobile car wash or detailing service
- On-the-go coffee stand or snack vendor (in compliance with local by-laws)
- Delivery of frozen food, flowers, or packages
Why it works: You leverage your car’s mobility to reach clients anywhere. Add branding and take mobile payments for a professional touch.
9) Offer moving or hauling services (for bakkie or SUV owners)
What it is: Use your vehicle to help people move small furniture, groceries, or building materials.
Why it works: Many people need quick, local transport for heavy or bulky items.
Earning potential: R400–R1,000 per trip, depending on load size and distance.
10) Offer errand or courier services
What it is: Pick up or deliver items for businesses or individuals — such as parcels, groceries, or medical supplies.
Why it works: Companies and elderly clients often need fast, local delivery assistance. You can build loyal repeat customers.
Earning potential: R3,000–R12,000 monthly depending on contracts and volume.
11) Drive for corporate events or weddings
What it is: Rent your car (especially if it’s a luxury or vintage model) for events and photoshoots.
Why it works: Wedding planners, photographers, and film crews often need attractive cars for short rentals.
Earning potential: R1,000–R5,000 per day or per event.
12) Carpooling for cash
What it is: Share your daily route with commuters heading the same way and split fuel costs or charge a small fee.
Why it works: It reduces your costs while providing a convenient transport option for others.
Tip: Always confirm insurance coverage and passenger limits before offering paid rides.
13) Transport for students or staff
If you live near a university or workplace cluster, offer regular rides for students or staff. A monthly contract system ensures stable income and predictable scheduling.
14) Use your car for photography or film rentals
Content creators and filmmakers frequently rent vehicles for props or shoots. If your car has a unique color, shape, or model year, register it with a local film rental agency or advertise directly to photographers.
15) Become a driver partner for logistics or e-commerce
E-commerce companies regularly need drivers for delivery routes. Even small online stores outsource local deliveries. Offer your car for scheduled or freelance delivery services.
Key tips for success
✅ Keep maintenance up to date — a breakdown means lost income.
✅ Track fuel costs and plan routes efficiently.
✅ Insure your car properly (business use if applicable).
✅ Keep your vehicle clean — presentation attracts better-paying clients.
✅ Build a professional reputation with punctuality and customer service.
Legal & tax considerations
- Registration: If you use your car for business, register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a sole proprietor.
- Insurance: Update your policy to include commercial or ride-sharing coverage.
- Permits: A PrDP is required for passenger or goods transport for payment.
- Recordkeeping: Track income, expenses, and mileage for tax deductions.
