Virtual Assistant Jobs in South Africa

The demand for virtual assistants (VAs) is growing rapidly in South Africa as more companies, entrepreneurs, and startups look for cost-effective ways to outsource administrative and business support tasks. If you’re organised, tech-savvy and looking for a flexible way to earn money online, becoming a VA could be one of the best opportunities available.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a virtual assistant does, what skills are required, how much you can earn and where to find VA jobs in South Africa.

💡 What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides administrative, creative, or technical support to clients. Instead of working from an office, VAs work from home using online tools like email, Zoom, Google Workspace and project management platforms.

Some common services VAs offer include:

Managing emails and calendars
Data entry and document preparation
Social media management
Customer support
Research and reporting
Booking travel and appointments
Bookkeeping or invoicing support

🎯 Why Virtual Assistant Jobs Are Growing in South Africa

Remote work trend – Many businesses are shifting online and hiring global talent.
Cost savings – Hiring a VA is cheaper for businesses than employing full-time staff.
Flexible work – VAs can work for international clients, often earning in dollars.
Low barrier to entry – You don’t need a degree; strong skills and professionalism are enough.

🛠️ Skills Needed to Become a Virtual Assistant

While you don’t need formal qualifications, certain skills make you stand out as a VA:

Communication skills – clear written and spoken English.
Organisation – time management and attention to detail.
Tech literacy – using tools like Google Workspace, Trello, Asana, or Slack.
Customer service – handling queries professionally.
Social media skills (optional) – managing Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn accounts.
Bookkeeping basics (optional) – using tools like QuickBooks or Xero.

💡 Tip: Consider taking short online courses (Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) to upskill.

💸 How Much Do Virtual Assistants Earn in South Africa?

Earnings vary based on experience, niche and whether you work with local or international clients:

Entry-level VA: R60 – R120 per hour
Experienced VA: R150 – R300 per hour
Specialised VA (bookkeeping, marketing, project management): R300+ per hour

International clients often pay in USD, which can significantly increase your income.

🌍 Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs in South Africa

There are several platforms and strategies to land VA work:

Online Platforms

Upwork – one of the biggest freelance job sites.
Fiverr – sell your VA services as “gigs.”
Freelancer.com – good for beginners.
PeoplePerHour – connects freelancers with global clients.
Virtual Staff Finder – specialised for VA jobs.

Local Opportunities

CareerJunction and PNet – sometimes list remote admin roles.
LinkedIn – great for networking with business owners.
Facebook groups – e.g., Virtual Assistants South Africa.

Direct Outreach

Many VAs find work by approaching small businesses, coaches, or entrepreneurs directly via LinkedIn or email.

🚀 How to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant in South Africa

Choose your services – decide what you’ll specialise in (admin, social media, customer support).
Set up your tools – have a reliable laptop, stable internet and software like Zoom, Canva and Google Workspace.
Create a portfolio – showcase your skills with sample projects or volunteer work.
Register your business (optional) – if you want to scale, consider registering a sole proprietorship.
Market yourself – create a LinkedIn profile, join freelancing sites and network in online communities.

✅ Final Thoughts

Virtual assistant jobs are one of the best ways to make money online in South Africa. They offer flexibility, the chance to work for international clients, and opportunities to grow into specialised roles like social media management, digital marketing, or bookkeeping.

With the right skills, dedication and online presence, you can build a thriving VA career and even turn it into a full-time business.

Comparison of VA Platforms in South Africa

Platform	Reach & Clients	Ease of Use	Fees/Commission	Best For
Upwork	Global – large number of clients worldwide	Medium (requires strong profile & proposals)	10% service fee on earnings	Skilled VAs targeting international clients
Fiverr	Global – clients search for listed “gigs”	Easy (create service listings, clients come to you)	20% commission per job	Beginners offering defined services (e.g., admin, social media)
Freelancer.com	Global – small to medium businesses	Medium (bidding system can be competitive)	10% on fixed-price jobs, 10% on hourly payments	Entry-level VAs trying to gain experience
PeoplePerHour	Global – small businesses & startups	Medium (requires approval to join)	20% on first $350, then 7.5% after	VAs with niche skills (marketing, admin, design)
LinkedIn	Global & local – professionals, entrepreneurs	Easy (networking, applying directly)	Free (optional paid premium)	Networking-focused VAs seeking ongoing clients
CareerJunction	Local – South African companies	Medium (formal job applications)	Free (job applications)	VAs looking for longer-term or part-time local roles
PNet	Local – South African businesses	Medium (similar to CareerJunction)	Free	Admin-based VAs seeking stable contracts
Facebook Groups (e.g., Virtual Assistants South Africa)	Local – entrepreneurs, small business owners	Easy (network & respond to posts)	Free	Beginners building connections & local client base