Experts say digital platforms and mobile technology are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Starting Small

Many successful entrepreneurs begin with:

• part-time freelancing
• online selling
• content creation
• digital services

before expanding gradually.

The Power of Social Media

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are increasingly helping small businesses attract customers without large advertising budgets.

Why Side Hustles Are Growing

Economic pressure and rising unemployment are pushing more people to explore additional income streams.

Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face

Business owners often struggle with:

• inconsistent income
• marketing
• customer acquisition
• scaling operations

Advice From Business Experts

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to:

• focus on consistency
• learn digital marketing
• reinvest profits
• build customer trust
• improve financial management

Analysts believe Africa’s digital business economy will continue expanding rapidly over the next decade.

As inflation rises, experts are encouraging consumers to review their spending habits carefully.

1. Food Delivery

Frequent food delivery orders can become extremely expensive over time.

2. Buy-Now-Pay-Later Spending

Some consumers are accumulating debt through multiple installment-payment platforms.

3. Subscription Services

Streaming platforms, gaming subscriptions, and apps can quietly increase monthly expenses.

4. Impulse Online Shopping

Social media advertising continues driving impulsive spending habits.

5. Expensive Mobile Contracts

Consumers are increasingly searching for cheaper prepaid alternatives.

6. Gambling and Betting

Financial experts warn that excessive gambling can severely affect long-term financial stability.

7. Lifestyle Pressure

Many young adults feel pressure to maintain expensive lifestyles online.

What Experts Recommend

Financial advisors suggest:

• budgeting monthly expenses
• reducing unnecessary subscriptions
• avoiding emotional spending
• building emergency savings

Experts say small financial changes can create major long-term benefits.

Social media and financial education platforms have helped increase awareness around personal finance.

Common Habits Wealth Builders Practice
1. Budgeting Monthly Income

Tracking spending remains one of the most important financial habits.

2. Avoiding High-Interest Debt

Experts warn that excessive debt can slow long-term wealth growth.

3. Starting Investments Early

Even small monthly investments may grow significantly over time.

4. Building Emergency Savings

Financial advisors recommend saving enough money to cover unexpected expenses.

5. Learning Financial Skills

Many people are now consuming financial education content online through:

YouTube
podcasts
blogs
social media
Why Financial Literacy Matters

Experts believe financial literacy can help people:

make better money decisions
reduce financial stress
build long-term stability

Analysts say financial education content is likely to remain one of the fastest-growing digital categories in Africa.

Many students are now using AI platforms to provide freelance services online.

Popular AI-Based Services

Students are using AI tools for:

• logo design
• social media captions
• video editing
• resume creation
• presentation design
• content writing

Why AI Side Hustles Are Growing

Experts say AI tools reduce the time required to complete many tasks, allowing freelancers to serve more clients.

Some students are using platforms like:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• TikTok
• Facebook Marketplace

to find customers.

Risks and Challenges

While AI tools can improve productivity, experts warn users to:

• fact-check information
• avoid plagiarism
• protect client privacy
• maintain quality standards

Skills Still Matter

Industry professionals say successful freelancers still need:

• communication skills
• creativity
• consistency
• customer service

AI is increasingly becoming a tool that enhances productivity rather than fully replacing workers.

Insurance experts say comparing quotes carefully can significantly reduce monthly costs.

What Affects Insurance Prices

Insurance premiums are usually influenced by:

• driving history
• vehicle type
• location
• age
• claim history

Why Comparison Shopping Matters

Different insurers may charge very different premiums for similar coverage.

Experts recommend getting multiple quotes before choosing a provider.

Common Types of Cover

Comprehensive Insurance

Covers accidents, theft, and damage.

Third-Party Insurance

Usually cheaper but offers limited protection.

Third-Party Fire and Theft

Adds protection against theft and fire damage.

Ways Drivers Reduce Premiums

Drivers may lower costs by:

• improving vehicle security
• parking safely
• avoiding unnecessary claims
• increasing excess amounts

Important Warning

Experts advise consumers not to choose insurance based only on the cheapest price.

Drivers should also compare:

• claim process quality
• payout reputation
• customer support
• included benefits

The insurance sector is expected to remain highly competitive throughout 2026.

Experts say many people are now earning income using only smartphones, internet access, and basic digital skills.

Here are some of the most popular remote jobs South Africans are exploring in 2026.

1. Social Media Assistant

Businesses often need help replying to comments, posting content, and managing pages on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

2. Online Customer Support

Many companies hire remote agents to assist customers through live chat, WhatsApp, and email.

3. Freelance Writing

Content creators and websites regularly pay writers for articles, blog posts, and social media captions.

4. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants help businesses with:

• scheduling
• replying to emails
• organizing files
• administrative work

5. TikTok Content Creation

Short-form videos continue generating opportunities for creators through sponsorships, partnerships, and platform monetization.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers earn commissions by promoting products and services online.

7. Online Tutoring

Tutors can teach subjects remotely using video calls and educational platforms.

8. Graphic Design

Designers can create logos, flyers, and social media graphics directly from mobile apps.

9. AI Content Services

AI tools are helping freelancers create:

• videos
• marketing materials
• voiceovers
• business presentations

10. Transcription Work

Some platforms pay users to convert audio recordings into written text.

Financial experts say remote work opportunities are expected to continue growing as internet access expands across Africa.

5. People With These Bank Accounts Pay Less in Monthly Fees — Full Comparison

Banking fees remain a major concern for many South Africans as consumers search for more affordable financial services.

Experts say choosing the right account can help people save thousands of rand annually.

Digital Banks Are Growing

Digital-first banks are becoming increasingly popular due to:

• lower fees
• mobile convenience
• faster account setup
• app-based services

What Consumers Should Compare

Before opening an account, financial advisors recommend checking:

• monthly account fees
• ATM withdrawal costs
• transfer charges
• overdraft fees
• card replacement costs

Popular Banking Features in 2026

Customers are increasingly looking for:

• virtual cards
• instant transfers
• budgeting tools
• cashback rewards
• mobile payment support

Why Many People Are Switching Banks

Experts say consumers are changing banks more frequently due to:

• rising fees
• poor customer service
• better digital features elsewhere

Tips Before Opening a New Account

• Compare total annual fees
• Read customer reviews
• Check ATM accessibility
• Understand transaction charges
• Review mobile app ratings

Financial analysts believe competition among banks will continue pushing more affordable digital banking products into the market.

Experts say beginner-friendly investment platforms are helping first-time investors enter the market with smaller amounts of money.

1. EasyEquities

EasyEquities remains one of the most popular platforms for beginner investors due to its simple interface and low entry requirements.

Users can buy shares, ETFs, and other investments directly from their smartphones.

2. SatrixNOW

SatrixNOW has attracted investors looking for index-tracking investment products.

3. Franc

Franc focuses on helping beginners start saving and investing with small amounts.

Why Investment Apps Are Growing

Investment apps are becoming more popular because they:

• reduce barriers to investing
• allow small starting amounts
• simplify the investment process
• offer mobile access
• provide educational tools

Risks Investors Should Understand

Financial experts warn that investments can go up or down in value.

Beginners are encouraged to:

• research before investing
• avoid emotional trading
• diversify investments
• think long-term

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Investing money needed for emergencies
• Chasing social media hype
• Expecting quick profits
• Ignoring fees
• Taking excessive risks

Analysts believe financial literacy and mobile investing will continue growing rapidly across Africa over the next few years.

However, financial experts warn that borrowers should compare fees, repayment periods, and interest rates carefully before applying.

Here are some of the most talked-about loan apps in South Africa in 2026.

1. Branch

Branch offers short-term loans directly through its mobile app. Approval decisions are usually fast, with repayment terms depending on the borrower’s profile.

2. Fasta

Fasta has gained popularity for smaller emergency loans and quick approval times.

3. MoneyCat

MoneyCat provides short-term online loans with a simple application process.

4. Lime Loans

Lime Loans remains one of the better-known online lenders in South Africa.

What Borrowers Should Watch Out For

Before applying for any loan, experts recommend checking:

• total repayment amount
• monthly fees
• annual interest rate
• repayment penalties
• hidden charges

Borrowers are also advised to avoid taking multiple loans simultaneously, as this can lead to financial stress.

Tips Before Applying

• Compare at least three lenders
• Borrow only what you can repay
• Avoid payday-loan dependency
• Read customer reviews carefully
• Check if the lender is registered

Financial advisors say loan apps can be useful in emergencies, but should not replace long-term budgeting and savings habits.

Here are five side hustles that are becoming increasingly popular in 2026.

1. Freelance Social Media Management

Many small businesses struggle to manage their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages consistently. This has created opportunities for people with basic social media skills to earn money managing accounts for local businesses.

Some freelancers charge between R2,000 and R10,000 monthly per client depending on the workload.

2. Selling Digital Products

Digital products such as eBooks, templates, business logos, CV designs, and study guides continue to grow in popularity.

The advantage is that products can be sold repeatedly without needing physical inventory.

3. Online Tutoring

South African students are increasingly using online tutoring services for subjects like mathematics, science, accounting, and English.

Tutors can work remotely using video calls and messaging apps.

4. AI Content Creation

Artificial intelligence tools are now helping creators produce:

• videos
• social media posts
• logos
• voiceovers
• marketing content

Some creators are turning this into a small business by helping brands and influencers.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows people to earn commissions by promoting products and services online.

Popular categories include:

• financial apps
• online courses
• web hosting
• VPN services
• eCommerce products

Experts say the biggest advantage of modern side hustles is flexibility, allowing people to earn additional income using only a smartphone and internet connection.

Based on the Mercedes-AMG SL63, it gives customers a more refined drop-top driving experience courtesy of a host of Maybach-specific modifications.

These include a noise-optimised (read quieter) exhaust system, an extensive insulation and absorption package to better quell pesky wind/road noise and softer engine mounts to quell vibration from the 430kW 4.0l twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

There’s also a revamped air-suspension system designed to optimise comfort over dynamic fervour.

As with its Mercedes-AMG SL63 sibling, the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series is equipped with a fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, rear-axle steering and a 9G‑Tronic automatic transmission with optimised (read smoother) software mapping.

Though these tweaks make the roadster arguably more plush, their added weight put a slight damper on accelerative performance: 0-100km/h coming up in 4.1 seconds vs the 3.6 seconds achievable by the Mercedes-AMG SL63. Will the typical Maybach customer care? We think not. Maximum speed comes in at a claimed 260km/h.

The Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series is available with one of two eye-catching two-tone paint finishes. Red Ambiance pairs obsidian black metallic over Manufaktur garnet red metallic, while White Ambiance contrasts obsidian black metallic with Manufaktur opalite white magno.

Other bespoke Maybach exterior touches include:

• a chrome-finished and illuminated radiator grille;
• an upright Mercedes star on the bonnet;
• headlamp accents in rose gold;
• a chrome windscreen frame; and
• 21-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke or multi-spoke design.

The soft top is constructed from black fabric, with the Maybach pattern subtly incorporated in anthracite, while the rear quarters receive unique tail light clusters, a brand-specific rear skirt with chrome trim and a diffuser with Maybach exhaust tailpipes.

The interior is equally ritzy, with crystal white nappa leather wrapping the door panels, centre console and comfort seats. The space behind the seats is also finished in white leather, while the galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim provide a striking contrast.

The fully digital instrument display and electrically adjustable centre display incorporate Maybach-specific start-up animations and display styles. Further brand hallmarks are the steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and stainless steel door sill trims.

Pricing for the Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series starts at R5,092,000 including a five-year/100,000km service and maintenance plan.