Smart hacks to lift the pressures of living a gig life in South Africa

Gig workers must manage finances and work life without any traditional employee benefits. By Kara le Roux

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Wake up. Respond to emails. Chase invoices. Squeeze in two hours of designing or writing. Handle admin. Repeat. This is the daily rhythm of millions of South Africans earning a living without a payslip, workplace benefits or the right to call in sick.

According to the World Economic Forum, the global gig economy is projected to reach $1.8-billion by 2032. In South Africa, 3.9 million people were already working gig jobs by 2021.

Gig work refers to short-term, freelance or contract-based jobs, often facilitated through digital platforms, for which workers are paid per task, trip or project rather than earning a fixed salary. It is accessible, immediate and offers a vital income stream when formal work remains scarce, especially in urban centres with reliable connectivity.

But the freedom to choose your hours often comes with the fragility of being one illness or accident away from zero income.

Not an employee on paper

South African labour law draws a sharp line between employees and independent contractors. Most gig workers fall into the latter category, meaning no Basic Conditions of Employment Act benefits or Labour Relations Act protections.