South Africans Rank 2nd Globally for Self-Employment at 92.7%, but Only 1 in 3 Plans a Move
Updated
Updated · Cape Town ETC · May 25
South Africans Rank 2nd Globally for Self-Employment at 92.7%, but Only 1 in 3 Plans a Move
1 articles · Updated · Cape Town ETC · May 25
92.7% of South Africans surveyed by Remitly said they would rather be self-employed than work for someone else, the second-highest share among 28 countries behind Kenya.
More than 5,000 people were surveyed, and South Africans cited independence, control, flexibility and work-life balance as stronger motivations than higher pay.
Only about one-third said they were likely to take concrete steps toward self-employment within a year, with more than half naming unstable income as the biggest barrier.
More than 84% said social media makes self-employment look more attractive than it is, while hustle culture adds pressure to monetize hobbies and work constantly.
More than half also want overseas clients or cross-border business, reflecting how remote work and online platforms are widening entrepreneurial options despite a tough domestic job market.
Social media fuels an entrepreneurial dream. Is this 'hustle culture' empowering South Africans or masking economic desperation?
With entrepreneurial desire so high, what truly prevents South Africa's dream from becoming reality for the majority?
As the gig economy booms, are new labor laws enough to protect South Africa's workers from platform exploitation?
South Africa’s Self-Employment Paradox: High Aspirations, Only 5% Become Employers
Overview
As of May 2026, South Africa faces a striking gap between the widespread desire for self-employment and the tough realities of the labor market. While many people are drawn to self-employment for autonomy, flexibility, and better work-life balance, these aspirations often clash with systemic barriers and a lack of truly successful entrepreneurial opportunities. The global shift in employment trends highlights this yearning for independence, but in South Africa, only a small fraction manage to become employers. This disconnect underscores the need for targeted policies and support systems to help turn high entrepreneurial ambitions into real, sustainable opportunities.