Gigsterr: A South African Solution to the Unemployment Crisis Connecting Skills with Opportunities, One Gig at a Time to make ends meet.

Even those with full-time employment often find themselves unable to cover basic expenses due to rising costs. But one entrepreneur saw an opportunity in this challenge and decided to act.

Two years ago, Natrishka Naidoo, CEO and founder of Gigsterr, noticed a troubling pattern on social media. Single mothers were repeatedly posting desperate pleas asking if there were ways to earn extra money. Even employed individuals were South Africa's unemployment crisis has reached staggering levels, leaving millions of families struggling to feed their families and keep up with expenses.

"There must be some way that even if you are earning already and you are struggling, or if you are unemployed, there must be a way for you to earn some money just for that day," Naidoo reflected. This realization sparked the creation of Gigsterr – a platform designed to connect people with skills to those who need those services.

Gigsterr operates through two complementary mobile applications:

Gigsterr App

Users post tasks they need completed

Multiple service providers can apply for each gig

Eliminates the need to contact numerous providers for quotes

Creates a competitive marketplace for services

 

Gigsterr Provider App

Service providers can sign up and list multiple services

Providers can set their own rates

Features built-in chat functionality for pre-job communication

Comprehensive service marketplace in one location

Understanding the vulnerability of both job seekers and customers in the gig economy, Gigsterr has implemented several protective measures:

Service providers can upload police clearances to build trust

Payments are held until gigs are completed, protecting both parties

Both parties must upload completion photos to minimize disputes

Individual investigations are conducted when issues arise

Chat features allow parties to establish trust before payment

Despite being available for only two and a half months, Gigsterr is already showing promising signs:

High daily sign-up rates from service providers indicate strong demand

Growing user base demonstrates market receptivity

Addresses a clear gap in the South African market

 

"We're seeing a lot of service providers signing up because of obviously the need for work," Naidoo explains. "That's telling us that an app like this is a hugely needed in the country."

Unlike existing platforms that focus on niche areas, Gigsterr aims to be comprehensive. Rather than requiring users to download multiple apps for different services, Gigsterr provides an all-in-one solution where users can find any service they need and providers can offer multiple skills.

The app is currently seeking support through a crowdfunding campaign on Thunderfund. The funds will be used for:

Continued app development and improvements

Marketing and advertising campaigns nationwide

Increasing platform uptake and usage

Ultimately helping to reduce unemployment

 

Naidoo's ambitions extend beyond South Africa's borders. The long-term vision is to expand across the African continent, providing a platform for informal workers who currently lack opportunities to showcase their services.

"I think we don't have anything like this in Africa. There are similar apps in the US, in Europe," Naidoo notes. "We've got such a rich culture within Africa. Why do we not have an opportunity like this for anyone that comes from an informal background?"

Gigster represents more than a technological solution – it's a movement toward economic empowerment and dignity. By connecting skilled individuals with those who need their services, the platform creates opportunities for people to provide for their families while maintaining their self-respect.

"I want to give hope back to our South African people," Naidoo concludes.

Get Involved

For those interested in supporting or using Gigsterr:

Both Gigsterr and Gigsterr Provider are available on iOS and Android app stores

Visit the website: www.gigsterr.app contains all social media handles and contact information

Support the crowdfunding: Search for "Gigsterr" on Thunderfund to contribute

Follow on social media: Find Gigsterr on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Whether you're seeking services, offering skills, or simply believing in community empowerment, Gigsterr offers a way to be part of the solution to South Africa's unemployment challenge. Every download, every gig, and every contribution helps build a stronger, more inclusive economy for the nation and beyond. 

Written by: Jasnine Roberts