The future of work is freelancing, says Scelo Makhathini, co-founder of a digital freelancer platform LinkdPro.com. 

“Gone will be the daily commute to an office where people arrive with their coffees ready or the designated 40-hour week,” Makhathini told Business Insider South Africa. 

Makhathini says freelancing is now more lucrative than ever, with some gig workers raking in more than R1,000 an hour. 

See also: 10 of the highest paying jobs in South Africa – and how to get one

The more specialised your skills are, the more money you can make, he explains. 

Makhathini gave Business Insider South Africa his list of the top side hustles in the country right now. 

Engagement Lead

Top Skills: Management, Leadership, Project Management, Strategy, Communication

You could earn: R900 – R1,100 per hour 

Time required: 6 – 8 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Software Engineering Manager

Top Skills: Software Development, Agile Methodologies, Management, Java, SQL

You could earn: R800 – R1,050 per hour 

Time required: 8 – 9 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Customer Success Manager

Top Skills: Management, Sales, Customer Service, Leadership, Customer Relationship Management

You could earn: R500 – R650 per hour 

Time required: 4 – 6 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Solutions Architect

Top Skills: Management, Integration, Solution Architecture, Design, Project Management

You could earn: R800 – R1,250 per hour 

Time required: 8 – 10 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Sales Director

Top Skills: Sales, Management, Business Development, Account Management, Marketing

You could earn: R700 – R800 per hour

Time required: 9 – 10 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Program Manager

Top Skills: Management, Project Management, Program Management, Leadership, Training

You could earn: R700 – R850 per hour Time required: 6 – 8 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Product Manager

Top Skills: Management, Product Management, Program Management, Marketing, Product Development

You could earn: R700 – R800 per hour Time required: 6 – 8 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Data Scientist

Top Skills: Python, Data Analysis, Machine Learning, SQL, Statistics

You could earn: R900 – R1,400 per hourTime required: 8 – 10 hours per day/project intensity dependent

Enterprise Account Manager

Top Skills: Sales, Management, Account Management, Solution Selling, Business Development

You could earn: R650 – R800 per hour    Time required: 6 – 7 hours per day/project intensity dependent