When times are tough, kasi people get creative. Whether it’s a tough economy, youth unemployment, or just that entrepreneurial spirit that lives strong in Mzansi, more and more South Africans are looking for low-cost business ideas they can start with little to no capital. If you have the drive and just R500 or even less, you can start a small hustle today that could change your life.
This guide breaks down top kasi business ideas that are already working in places like Soweto, Khayelitsha, Tembisa, and Umlazi. These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes—they’re real businesses built on local demand and smart thinking.
Why Starting Small is a Winning Strategy
According to the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), most South African small businesses start informally and grow over time. Township economies are booming, and new entrepreneurs are filling everyday needs with smart, affordable services. Starting small with R500 or less is not just realistic—it’s smart. You limit your risk, learn faster, and build your business step-by-step.
1. Selling Snacks and Cooldrinks at Taxi Ranks
Taxi ranks are always buzzing with people who want quick snacks. With R300–R500, you can buy chips, sweets, cold drinks, and bottled water at wholesale prices and resell them at a profit. Focus on popular brands and cold stock, especially in summer.
2. Mobile Phone Accessories Reselling
People are always breaking chargers, losing earphones, or needing a new phone case. Use R400 to buy affordable stock from wholesalers or downtown suppliers and resell at taxi ranks, schools, or online through WhatsApp groups.
3. Offering Laundry Services From Home
Laundry is time-consuming, and many kasi people don’t have washing machines. You can start a home-based laundry service using the basics you already have—water, soap, and a washing line. Use part of your R500 to buy washing powder, pegs, and extra buckets. Charge R30–R50 per bundle.
4. Car Wash or Mobile Car Cleaning
A bucket, soap, and a cloth are all you need to start washing cars at home or offering mobile car cleaning services. Many people prefer a quick wash in their driveway during weekends. Even just two or three cars a day can make a big difference.
5. Selling Vetkoeks, Magwinya, and Kota Ingredients
Vetkoek businesses never go out of style. With a bit of flour, yeast, oil, and creativity, you can start frying and selling vetkoeks for school kids, taxi commuters, and workers. R500 can get you your basic ingredients and packaging supplies.
6. Home-Based Beauty Services
If you can braid hair, do nails, or do simple makeup, you can start offering beauty services from home. Invest in basic nail polish, braiding hair, or make-up starter kits. Kasi beauty services are always in demand, especially before month-end and big events.
7. Tutoring Kids in the Community
Parents are willing to pay for extra lessons in Maths, English, and other subjects. If you’ve passed Matric well, you can tutor school kids from your home or even run mobile tutoring sessions. Use part of your R500 for printing worksheets or basic stationery.
8. Selling Second-Hand Clothes
Thrift culture is booming. With R500, you can buy a bulk lot of second-hand clothes from a wholesaler or market, and resell them at better prices. Focus on good quality jackets, shoes, and branded clothing, which sell faster and at higher margins.
9. Homemade Cleaning Products Business
You can make and sell basic cleaning products like dishwashing liquid, bleach, and fabric softener. Starter kits to make these products cost around R300–R500 and you can bottle and label them yourself. Selling door-to-door or in your neighbourhood can make you quick repeat customers.
10. Braai Stand or Street Food Setup
Nothing says kasi vibes like a good braai stand. You can start small by selling boerewors rolls, chicken wings, or beef skewers. Use your R500 to buy the meat, charcoal, sauces, and simple setup materials. This hustle booms, especially around sports events, taxi ranks, or shopping areas. Bold keyword: township street food business
Big Dreams Start Small in the Kasi
You don’t need thousands of rands to be your own boss. These top kasi business ideas prove that with hustle, smart planning, and just R500 or less, you can start changing your financial future today. Every township millionaire started with one simple idea. Whether you sell snacks, clean cars, tutor kids, or braid hair, consistency is what separates those who make it from those who just dream.
Start small, stay focused, and watch your hustle grow.