Jobs You Can Do with Just a Matric in South Africa and How to Start Today

 

Introduction

 

You passed matric, but you didn’t go to varsity. Maybe you couldn’t afford it. Perhaps you are still waiting for NSFAS, or your college application didn’t go through. Whatever the reason, here’s the fact: you don’t need a degree to make money in South Africa. There are jobs, side gigs, and real opportunities that only require your matric certificate, Wi-Fi, and strong determination.

 

Jobs You 10 Can Do with Just a Matric in South Africa

 

1. Online Freelancer (Typing, Data Entry, or Social Media) 

   - Skills: Basic English, attention to detail 

   - Earning Potential: R1,500 to R5,000 per month (starting) 

   - Where to start: Upwork, Fiverr, Remotasks, PeoplePerHour 

   - Tip: Use free Wi-Fi (library, campus, mall), create a profile, and start with small tasks 

 

2. Call Centre Agent 

   - Common in: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town 

   - Earning Potential: R4,000 to R10,000 per month with commission 

   - Requirements: Good English, computer skills, confidence 

   - Tip: Search "call centre jobs + matric" on sites like PNet, Indeed, or Careers24 

 

3. Delivery Driver (Scooter or Car) 

   - Companies: Mr D, Uber Eats, Takealot 

   - Requirements: Matric, driver's license, own car or bike (or rent one) 

   - Earning Potential: R5,000 to R12,000 per month 

   - Tip: If you don’t own a vehicle, many township riders are forming co-ops ask around

 

4. Retail Sales Assistant 

   - Places hiring: PEP, Jet, Checkers, Ackermans, Game, Dis-Chem 

   - Requirements: Matric, friendly personality, good communication 

   - Earning Potential: R3,500 to R7,000 per month 

   - Tip: Drop your CV in person; don’t rely only on online ads.


5. Learnerships (Get Paid While You Train) 

   - Fields: Banking, IT, Retail, Construction 

   - Stipend: R2,500 to R6,000 per month while you learn 

   - Requirements: Grade 12, sometimes unemployed status 

   - Tip: Google “2025 Learnerships South Africa” or check companies like Transnet, FNB, Clicks, and YES4Youth 

 

6. Admin Clerk / Receptionist 

   - Places: Clinics, NGOs, schools, small businesses 

   - Requirements: Matric plus basic computer skills 

   - Earning Potential: R4,000 to R8,000 per month 

   - Tip: Free online typing and Microsoft Word tutorials are available on YouTube use them to improve 

7. Field Sales Agent (Commission-Based) 

   - Industries: Insurance, loans, airtime, funeral cover 

   - Earning Potential: R3,000 base plus commission (up to R10,000 per month) 

   - Tip: This role teaches a real-life hustle approach companies like Old Mutual, Lion of Africa, or Avbob 

 

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8. Digital Hustler (Affiliate Marketing, Blogging, or Content Creation) 

   - Platform: TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, blogs 

   - Needs: Data or Wi-Fi, basic design or writing skills 

   - Potential: Starts slow but builds up (AdSense, brand deals, affiliate links) 

   - Tip: Focus on a topic you love, for example, Kasi streetwear, career advice, relationship tips, or SA news 

 

9. Tutor (Even Without a Degree) 

   - Subjects: English, Maths, Life Science (especially Grade 8 to 10) 

   - Earning Potential: R50 to R150 per hour 

   - Requirements: Confidence and good matric marks in that subject 

   - Tip: Tutor kids in your neighbourhood or list yourself on TeachMe2, Turtlejar, or Facebook study groups 

 

10. Security Guard (With Training) 

   - Requirements: Matric and PSIRA certificate 

   - Earning Potential: R4,500 to R8,000 per month 

   - Tip: Security jobs are always in demand check G4S, Fidelity, Bidvest 

 

-Bonus Mindset: Your Hustle Must Have a Strategy

Even if you’re broke now, here’s how to improve with no excuses: 

- Use free Wi-Fi zones to apply online, learn, or build a skill 

- Ask for help: someone might have a laptop, airtime, or info that can change your life 

- Focus: Don’t jump from hustle to hustle. Master one thing, then add more 

- Build your name: being professional builds trust, even in a township 

 

Final Word: Matric Isn’t the End, It’s the Launchpad

Don’t let society deceive you. Some people have degrees but no jobs, while others have a matric and create businesses. What matters is effort, creativity, and consistency.  Start where you are. Use what you have. Learn what you need. Build what you want. 

 

 

Want More Hustle Ideas or Need Help Applying?

 

Leave a comment or email me — I reply to every serious reader. Kasi deserves a good career too.