Young workers in South Africa are increasingly pursuing multiple sources of income as they begin their careers, favouring flexible work arrangements over traditional 9-to-5 jobs and challenging long-standing workplace norms.
Interviews conducted on the streets captured a clear preference among the youth for self-employment and entrepreneurship. One young artist explained his choice: “I prefer doing my own things like doing my own job because I’m the boss of my own… Rather than going out there and working for someone else.” He added that as an artist, he needs to produce his own work rather than waiting for others, describing reliance on someone else as unacceptable.
Another respondent highlighted the economic realities facing his generation, noting that “by this time of age, there’s nothing you can get beside you hustling but in the right way.” He described starting one’s own business as a “dream job,” especially given South Africa’s high unemployment rates and limited opportunities for young people, including graduates with degrees.
“Unemployment rates in South Africa are very high and there are less opportunities for young people,” he said, suggesting that opening more malls and shopping centres could create much-needed jobs.
A creative professional working in the manufacturing sector emphasised the untapped potential of South Africa’s resources. “South Africa is a country that actually has a lot of resources, but it does not use its resources to enhance itself as a country,” he stated. He pointed out that manufacturing remains underdeveloped despite its potential to boost GDP and reduce reliance on imports from countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia.
“We are outsourcing from China, Japan, Indonesia and so on,” he said. “If we could create these opportunities ourselves as the youthful, as the young people… we still have vibrant, we still have creative ideas, we still have a lot to offer. I mean, we are unlimited.”
The interviewees advocated strongly for young people to launch their own businesses, whether small or large. “Young people should open their own businesses,” one urged. Another added: “Rome wasn’t built in one day. You work for yourself. You get time to rest. You get time to be with your family.”
They contrasted this with traditional employment, warning that a stressful 9-to-5 position often means “enriching somebody else whereas the skills that you have you can enrich yourself.”
The trend reflects a broader shift among South African youth who see self-employment and multiple income streams as a practical response to economic challenges, offering greater autonomy, flexibility, and personal fulfilment in an environment where formal job opportunities remain scarce.