South Africans are uniquely positioned to succeed as virtual assistants (VAs) for international clients. With a neutral English accent, a strong work ethic, and a favourable time zone for European and American companies, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the remote work revolution.
What Is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is a self-employed professional who remotely provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients. Unlike in-house employees, VAs work from home using their equipment and tools. The role can range from managing email inboxes and scheduling appointments to creating content and managing social media.
According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 59% of businesses in the U.S. now outsource non-core tasks to remote workers. That means they need reliable people to keep operations moving—people like you.
“I started freelancing as a virtual assistant in 2020. Within 6 months, I had three clients in the UK and Australia. All I needed was Wi-Fi, a laptop, and discipline,” says Lerato Mahlangu, a VA based in Pretoria.
Why This Job Is Perfect for South Africans
The weak rand makes overseas pay rates appealing. Earning in dollars, pounds, or euros translates to more buying power at home. At the same time, South Africa’s relatively low cost of living means you can offer competitive rates while still turning a good profit.
You also don’t need a degree. Most VA roles are skill-based, and many clients care more about experience and reliability than diplomas. That levels the playing field.
Skills You Need to Compete
Here’s the good news: you likely already have some skills needed to work as a virtual assistant. Here’s what’s in demand:
- Communication: Clear writing and professional email etiquette are non-negotiable.
- Time management: You need to meet deadlines without being chased.
- Tech proficiency: Be comfortable with Google Workspace, Zoom, Trello, and Slack.
- Initiative: Clients want someone who solves problems, not someone who waits for instructions.
“I hired a South African VA last year, and she’s more organised than my local team,” says Mark Lacy, a U.S.-based entrepreneur. “She’s always on time and asks smart questions. That’s what I value.”
How to Get Started
You need a game plan, not guesswork.
1. Identify Your Services
Start by offering 2–3 services you’re confident in. Don’t try to be everything to everyone.
- Entry-level: Inbox management, scheduling, data entry.
- Mid-level: Social media management, customer support, transcription.
- Advanced: Podcast editing, bookkeeping, project coordination.
2. Set Up Your Work Tools
You’ll need a few basics:
- A laptop with at least 8GB of RAM
- Reliable internet (at least 20 Mbps)
- A professional email address
- Zoom and Google Meet accounts
- Grammarly (helps avoid grammatical errors)
You can get a quiet workspace too. It signals to clients that you’re serious.
3. Create an Online Presence
Clients won’t hire you if they can’t find or trust you. Set up a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, experience, and availability. Build a simple website or landing page that outlines your services, testimonials, and pricing.
Tip: Create a one-page site using a free tool like Carrd or Wix. It looks professional and gives you credibility.
4. Join Freelance Platforms
This is how many South Africans land their first overseas clients:
- Upwork: Competitive but well-known.
- Fiverr: Best for small, quick jobs.
- PeoplePerHour: Less saturated, ideal for beginners.
- OnlineJobs.ph: Although built for the Filipino market, many international clients browse here.
When you apply for jobs, customise your proposals. Don’t use copy-paste templates. Show clients you understand their needs.
What to Charge
Beginners typically charge between $5 and $10 per hour. As your skills and client reviews grow, you can raise your rate to $15–$30 per hour or switch to project-based pricing.
For context, $10 per hour equals over R180, well above South Africa’s national minimum wage.
“I started at $7/hour, but once I built a reputation, I moved to retainer clients paying $800/month,” says Nomusa Dlamini, a Durban-based VA.
Challenges to Expect
Nothing worthwhile is easy. You’ll deal with:
- Time zone differences: Wake up early or work late if needed.
- Client ghosting: Some clients vanish. That’s why contracts matter.
- Isolation: Working from home can feel lonely. Join VA communities on Facebook or Slack to stay connected.
“The first few months were tough. I didn’t get replies, and I doubted myself,” says Lerato. “But I stuck with it, improved my pitch, and things turned around.”
Continuous Learning Wins
The VA field evolves fast. One month, clients want Pinterest management, the next it’s Notion dashboards. Upskill regularly.
Free and paid learning resources:
- Coursera & Udemy: Online courses on admin, marketing, and software.
- Skillshare: Creative and productivity tools.
- YouTube: Free tutorials on almost any tool or task.
Certifications aren’t always required, but they can help you stand out.
Final Word
Being a virtual assistant isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a real career. If you treat it like one—by showing up, being reliable, and continuously improving—you can turn it into a steady income source from anywhere in South Africa.
“Remote work changed my life. I don’t sit in traffic, I work with international clients, and I’ve grown more in two years than I did in five at my old job,” says Nomusa.
The door’s open. The opportunity is real. All that’s left is for you to step through it.
