Part-Time & Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown | Career Vacancies

Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, is a vibrant town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, known for Rhodes University. It offers part-time and weekend jobs ideal for students and those seeking extra income or work-life balance. This job post provides an overview of part-time and weekend career jobs available in Grahamstown, along with typical salaries, companies offering these opportunities, and the basic requirements for securing these positions.

Why Consider Part-Time or Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown?

• Flexibility: Part-time and weekend jobs allow individuals to maintain a balance between work, studies, and personal commitments.
• Supplemental Income: These jobs provide an opportunity to earn additional income without committing to a full-time role.
• Skill Development: Many part-time jobs, particularly in retail and hospitality, offer opportunities to develop valuable skills in customer service, teamwork, and time management.

Common Part-Time & Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown

With its small size and Rhodes University, many part-time jobs in Grahamstown cater to students, locals, and the tourism sector. Common part-time and weekend opportunities include:

1. Retail Assistants

• Responsibilities: Assisting customers, managing cash transactions, stocking shelves, and maintaining cleanliness in the store.
• Sectors: Grocery stores, clothing retailers, and small local shops.
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 2,500 – ZAR 4,000, depending on hours worked and the type of store.
• Companies: Pick n Pay, Spar, Clicks, and local independent retailers.
• Requirements: Matric certificate preferred, good customer service skills, and availability to work weekends and public holidays.

2. Waiters/Waitresses

• Responsibilities: Serving customers, taking food and drink orders, and ensuring a clean dining area.
• Sectors: Restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 2,500 – ZAR 5,000 (including tips).
• Companies: The Rat & Parrot, Saint’s Bistro, Red Café, and local restaurants.
• Requirements: Strong communication skills and experience in hospitality are preferred but not mandatory.

3. Tutors

• Responsibilities: Offering tutoring sessions in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, and specific university courses.
• Sectors: Education (through private tutoring or Rhodes University student support).
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 3,500 – ZAR 8,000, depending on subject expertise and hours worked.
• Companies: Rhodes University, private tutoring agencies, and independent tutors.
• Requirements: A Matric certificate is required, and higher education or tutoring experience is often preferred, especially for university-level subjects.

4. Bar Staff

• Responsibilities: Serving drinks, managing cash registers, and maintaining the cleanliness of the bar area.
• Sectors: Hospitality (bars and pubs).
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 2,500 – ZAR 4,500 (including tips).
• Companies: The Rat & Parrot, Olde 65, and Slipstream Sports Bar.
• Requirements: No formal education required, but prior experience in hospitality or bartending is a plus. Must be available to work late hours on weekends.

5. Promoters & Brand Ambassadors

• Responsibilities: Promoting products at events, engaging with customers, and distributing promotional materials.
• Sectors: Retail and marketing.
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 3,000 – ZAR 5,500, depending on hours worked and the type of event.
• Companies: SAB (South African Breweries), Coca-Cola, and local retail businesses.
• Requirements: An outgoing personality, strong communication skills, and the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.

6. Delivery Drivers

• Responsibilities: Delivering food or packages within Grahamstown, ensuring timely delivery and good customer service.
• Sectors: Retail, food delivery services, and logistics.
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 2,500 – ZAR 5,000, depending on deliveries and tips.
• Companies: Mr D Food, local restaurants, and courier services.
• Requirements: A valid driver’s license and knowledge of local routes are essential. Access to a reliable vehicle or motorbike is beneficial.

7. Housekeepers

• Responsibilities: Cleaning guest rooms, ensuring cleanliness of common areas, and providing basic hospitality services.
• Sectors: Hospitality (guesthouses, hotels, and lodges).
• Monthly Salary: ZAR 2,500 – ZAR 4,500, depending on hours worked.
• Companies: Pumba Private Game Reserve, The Milner, and local guesthouses.
• Requirements: No formal education is required, but previous experience in housekeeping or hospitality is beneficial.

Salaries Overview for Part-Time and Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown

Part-time and weekend job salaries in Grahamstown are modest but help supplement income, varying by job type, employer, and hours worked.

• Entry-level roles (Retail Assistants, Waitstaff, Housekeepers): Typically earn between ZAR 2,500 and ZAR 4,500 per month, depending on the number of hours worked and tips.
• Skilled roles (Tutors, Bar Staff, Brand Ambassadors): These roles can earn between ZAR 3,000 and ZAR 8,000 per month, depending on the level of expertise and demand.

Requirements for Securing a Part-Time or Weekend Job in Grahamstown

While many part-time jobs in Grahamstown are entry-level, the requirements vary by sector:

• Education: A Matric certificate is often preferred for retail or hospitality roles, while tutoring jobs require more specialized knowledge, such as a university qualification in the subject being taught.
• Experience: Experience is not always required for entry-level positions, though prior work in customer service, hospitality, or retail can give candidates an advantage.
• Skills: Key skills for part-time roles include communication, time management, and customer service. Specific jobs, like bartending, may require knowledge of beverage preparation.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is necessary for delivery jobs and is advantageous for some positions in sales and promotions.
• Availability: Most part-time and weekend jobs require candidates to be available during weekends, evenings, and public holidays, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.

In-Demand Locations for Part-Time and Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown

Several areas and sectors in Grahamstown have a high demand for part-time workers:

• Retail Centers: Local shopping areas, such as Pick n Pay, Spar, and Clicks, regularly hire part-time retail assistants, especially during busy periods like weekends and holidays.
• Hospitality & Tourism: With Grahamstown being home to several guesthouses and tourist attractions, the hospitality sector frequently hires part-time staff, especially waiters and housekeepers.
• Education: Rhodes University and private tutoring services often hire tutors for part-time positions, especially during exam periods.

Top Companies Offering Part-Time and Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown

Several businesses and establishments in Grahamstown are known for hiring part-time and weekend workers:

• Pick n Pay & Spar: These grocery stores frequently offer part-time retail assistant roles, especially on weekends.
• The Rat & Parrot: A popular pub and restaurant that regularly hires part-time bartenders and waitstaff for weekend shifts.
• Rhodes University: Offers tutoring positions and other part-time roles for students.
• Mr D Food: A food delivery service offering part-time work to delivery drivers in the area.
• Pumba Private Game Reserve: Located just outside Grahamstown, this reserve hires part-time workers, including housekeepers and hospitality staff.

Benefits of Working Part-Time or Weekends in Grahamstown

There are several advantages to taking up part-time or weekend jobs in Grahamstown:

• Flexible Hours: Many part-time jobs allow for flexible working hours, making them ideal for students or individuals with other commitments.
• Skill Development: Part-time jobs offer valuable experience in customer service, teamwork, and time management, which are transferable to future career opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Working in small businesses or the hospitality sector allows individuals to build connections with local residents, students, and visitors.

How to Apply for Part-Time and Weekend Jobs in Grahamstown

Here are a few ways to find and apply for part-time or weekend jobs in Grahamstown:

• Direct Applications: Many local businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, accept walk-in applications. Bring a copy of your CV and inquire about available positions.
• Networking: Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in a small town like Grahamstown. Ask friends, family, or classmates about job openings, especially in hospitality and retail.
• Social Media: Local businesses often advertise job openings on their social media pages. Follow business pages on Facebook or join community groups to stay updated on part-time job listings.

Final Thoughts & Mode of Application   

Grahamstown provides part-time and weekend jobs in sectors like retail, hospitality, and education. Whether you’re a student or seeking extra income, use job platforms, local businesses, and networking to find the right fit.