Many of us now rely on side gigs to earn additional money, follow our passions, or protect ourselves from unstable employment. Whether it’s managing a small online business, providing consulting support, or making content for platforms such as YouTube, these alternative income sources are now widely embraced.
Are employees allowed to run a side hustle?
Under South African law, having a second job or side business is not automatically illegal but it depends on your original employment contract’s terms.
If your side-hustle competes with your employer’s business, or you use your employer’s time or resources for it (or don’t disclose it when required), that can be deemed a conflict of interest or breach of employment duties, which could justify disciplinary action or dismissal.
Some employment contracts may include a “restraint of trade” clause: this can limit your ability to work for competitors (or run a similar business) for some time after leaving the job.
Contact us for more information: info@forwomeninlaw.com