Top 11 Best Affiliate Programs in South Africa of 2024 for Online Marketers

Affiliate marketing is booming in South Africa. According to the data from Statista, global spending reached $8 billion in 2022. As you can see, the affiliate marketing landscape in this country is like a growing tree, full of opportunities, diverse, and has significant potential for growth.

In this blog post, We will share a list of top-notch affiliate programs in South Africa 2024 to help you generate revenue. But that’s not all!

We understand that ‘one size does not fit all’; hence, we will share some valuable tips to help you find the program that best fits share some valuable tips to help you find the program that best fits your needs.

Don’t miss the initial steps that will be revealed below to kickstart your journey in affiliate marketing. Stay tuned!

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Top 11 Best Affiliate Programs in South Africa in 2024

Here is the top updated list of 11 affiliate marketing programs in South Africa!

The information for each program includes their special features, how much commission they offer, how long their cookies last, how they pay, and what you need to join them.

Mr Price

Mr Price, also known as MRP, is a leading retailer in South Africa, boasting sales of nearly US$1.9 billion in 2022 and a vast network of stores nationwide.

Their diverse catalog spans a wide range of categories, such as apparel, accessories, footwear, and sleepwear. As a fashion brand, MRP has a global reach, delivering products to 130 countries and offering an extensive range of approximately 16,000 SKUs.

While MRP is open to collaborating with most affiliates, it does conduct manual reviews for applications from loyalty sites and incentive publishers.

Some of the best features include:

• Boasting a vast selection of 4,000 products
• Round-the-clock support from a dedicated affiliate management team
• Easy-to-use interface
• A wide array of promotional materials, including text links, banners, and emails
• Seamlessly integrated with Commission Junction and AdMarula
• Encompasses several other famous South African retail brands like Power Fashion, Sheet Street, and YuppieChef.

 

Travelstart

Established in 1999, Travelstart has broadened its horizons beyond South Africa, making its mark in various countries across Africa and the Middle East. They are a pioneering online travel agency based in South Africa that offers extensive travel services. These include

• Flight bookings.
• Hotel reservations.
• Car rentals.
• Comprehensive holiday packages.

To cater to the modern traveler’s needs, Travelstart has developed a mobile app enabling customers to book and manage their travel plans anywhere, anytime. They are committed to assisting business and leisure travelers find, compare, and book the best deals for flights, buses, hotels, car hires, and holidays.

Highlight the best features:

• Provide instantaneous tracking and reporting of referrals and earnings.
• Support from a dedicated affiliate manager and team.
• Access to campaign materials, including Display banners, Promo codes, Text links, GIF banners, search banners, text links, XML feeds, and white labels.
• Availability of a white-labeled system for websites with a substantial user base.
• Integration with Impact Radius.

 

Zalemart

Established in 2016, Zalemart is a renowned eCommerce platform based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The platform has gained popularity for its intuitive interface, secure payment methods, dedication to customer satisfaction, and support for local South African businesses.

Operating as a general retail store from Durban and serving customers across South Africa, Zalemart offers a wide array of products spanning various categories. These include clothing, electronics, homeware, and kitchen appliances, mainly women’s denim wear.

Highlight the best features:

• Zalemart is a part of the FE Bassa Family Trust portfolio, a trading company that also provides commercial real estate rentals within South Africa.
• The program does not offer payouts on bulk orders of 5 or more products.
• Offer personalized discount codes that can be shared and complimentary products.

 

4aPet

4aPet, a South African online pet store, offers a comprehensive range of pet products or accessories for various pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish, and small animals. The shop also provides informative blogs and valuable tips for ensuring the well-being of their pets.

Their typical products are crawling gear, feeding tools, and educational toys from trusted  brands like Tummy Tie, Playtape, SoPure, and Melissa & Doug.

The company welcomes all types of affiliates to join its program – social media users, website owners, bloggers, email marketers, and WhatsApp marketers alike.

Here are some of the best highlight features

• Affiliates can access promotional methods, such as text links integrated with Facebook pages, Twitter, blogs, WhatsApp, Telegram, and emails.
• The program also provides various resources to enhance performance.
• Special offers and discounts are available exclusively for affiliates.
• The user-friendly dashboard and dedicated affiliate support team enhance the affiliate experience.

Once you join an affiliate program, you’ll receive unique affiliate links, essentially a URL with your affiliate username or ID. This link is used whenever you refer to the advertiser’s affiliate product on your website or other marketing platforms, such as social media.

When a member of your audience clicks on your affilia te link, a cookie is placed in their browser for tracking purposes. If they become a customer, the company can identify that you referred that customer and are duly credited.

 

SafariNow

SafariNow prides itself on being Africa’s ‘Amazon of accommodation.’ The platform can assist users in searching, comparing, and booking accommodations such as hotels, lodges, guesthouses, apartments, and villas.

With over 155,000 places to stay, ranging from campsites and guesthouses to B&Bs and luxury hotels, SafariNow caters to a broad audience. Some popular locations include Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, and Cape Town.

The program provides various tools to boost traffic and sales to support affiliates’ performance, including a SafariNow API for your website.

 

OfferForge

OfferForge, established in 2005 and headquartered in Johannesburg, prides itself on being Africa’s premier affiliate network.

Collaborating with over 30,000 affiliate marketers and over 3,000 brands, including renowned names like Fasta, Netflorist, and Wonga, OfferForge has significantly impacted the market.

The network supports a variety of commission models, such as display ads, pay-per-click, lead generation, and customer acquisition.

• Features of the OfferForge affiliate program include.
• Support for various commission models.
• User-friendly interface.
• Dedicated affiliate support team.
• Regular updates and newsletters.
• Access to a variety of promotional materials.
• Real-time tracking and reporting of referrals and commissions.
• Competitive commission rates.
• Timely payouts.

For payment details, affiliates and publishers can expect to receive their commissions monthly, with payments available in multiple currencies through PayPal or bank transfer. The minimum payout threshold is R500 for affiliates based in South Africa and US$100 for overseas affiliates.

 

Mantality

Mantality, South Africa’s leading online store for men, offers various products across multiple categories, including

• Tech.
• Health supplements.
• Gaming.
• Male grooming.
• Unique experiences.

They offer fast and reliable delivery throughout South Africa. Customers will get 0 shipping on orders of R650+! All products are delivered within one to three days, ensuring customers get the desired products right when needed.

But that’s not all! Mantality also provides a blog with helpful tips, reviews, and news about men’s lifestyles and interests. It’s not just a store; it’s a lifestyle! Whether you’re a product reviewer, gear guide writer, tech blogger, or travel writer, Mantality welcomes you!

With 24/7 access to the Mantality affiliate dashboard, you can check your sales, traffic, clicks, and earnings anytime. Plus, they offer a variety of creative displays to integrate with affiliate sites as promotional materials like banners, text links, and HTML mailers.

The commission rate is 10% per sale. New affiliate partner even get an R30 signup bonus and are automatically granted higher commission rates if they’re top performers.

 

4aKid

4aKid, a South African online store, is the brainchild of businesswoman Ally Cohen. 4aKid’s product range includes baby and toddler items such as crawling gear, feeding tools, and educational toys. They stock products from popular brands like Tummy Tie, Playtape, SoPure, and Melissa & Doug.

They take pride in providing products that are not only safe and affordable but also practical for both parents and children. 4aKid also provides informative blogs and helpful tips to ensure parents have the knowledge and tools to raise happy and healthy kids.

The 4aKid Affiliate Referral Program is worth considering! Affiliates can earn commission on every sale through the unique referral link by sharing it on the platforms below:

• Facebook /Twitter /Youtube /Instagram /TikTok.
• Website.
• Blogs.
• 4aKid catalogues.
• Weekly mailers from 4aKid.
• What’s app.
• Telegram.
• Email!.

Complete and detailed information about the program:

 

Affiliate.co.za

Based in Johannesburg, Affiliate.co.za is a rapidly expanding online affiliate network in Africa.

The network collaborates with several notable brands, including Etihad Airways, Uber Eats, and Volvo, and supports various payment models such as CPA, CPL, and CPC.

Affiliate.co.za is a fast-growing online affiliate network in Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg. It collaborates with top-notch brands like Etihad Airways, Uber Eats, and Volvo and provides lucrative payment models, including CPA, CPL, and CPC.

Affiliate.co.za ensures a smooth payment process for affiliates through bank transfer, wire transfer, and PayPal. To receive their commissions, affiliates must submit an invoice to the network’s banking team at the beginning of each month.

Affiliate.co.za is committed to providing ample support to its affiliate partners. It includes access to a dedicated account manager to assist with queries or concerns.

 

Zando

Zando, an online retail store, offers various products ranging from clothing, shoes, and accessories to homeware, beauty products, and sports gear. The store features over 600 local and international brands, including renowned names like Adidas, Nike, and Puma.

The store is a part of the Jumia Group, a prominent ecommerce platform that operates in 11 countries across Africa. And Zando’s affiliate program is managed through Sovrn.

For affiliates, the task is generating an affiliate link for multiple platforms, including the website, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. After that, you only need to copy-paste a site or product URL, which will automatically generate the link.

 

Sell-SA

Sell-SA is a comprehensive online marketplace in South Africa, facilitating seamless communication and deal finalization between customers and sellers. Not only does it allow sellers to post individual listings, but it also enables them to create their stores on Sell-SA.

Spanning across many categories such as electronics, clothing, technology, and books, Sell-SA connects buyers and sellers from all walks of life. To ensure customer satisfaction, all vendors on the platform are verified. Moreover, customers are assured a full refund if a product is not delivered.

The Sell-SA affiliate program welcomes all types of affiliate marketers, from online retailers, large content networks, and bloggers to social media users.

 

Best Ways to Find the Right Affiliate Programs in South Africa

So, after reading the previous 11 top affiliate programs in South Africa, which option do you feel appropriate for yourself? Each program has different features, commission structure, and payment options. Don’t worry if you still consider and hesitate when deciding on one.

We will provide 2 ways below to find the best for you:

• Research and explore individual African affiliate programs.
• Take part in affiliate networks positively

Research and explore individual affiliate programs

Identify your niche: It could be anything from fashion and beauty to tech and travel. Your niche will guide your research and help you find affiliate programs that are relevant to your content.

Search for affiliate programs: Once you’ve identified your niche, search for affiliate programs. You can type “[your niche] + affiliate programs” into a search engine. For example, If your niche relates to travel, type “[travel affiliate programs].”

Evaluate the affiliate program: Look at the commission rates, reputation of the company, quality of the products or services, and reviews from other affiliates. You want to ensure that the program is reliable and profitable.

Take part in affiliate networks positively

Research affiliate networks: Prominent international networks such as Impact, Rakuten, and ShareASale offer a convenient way for affiliates to sift through affiliate programs based in South Africa.

Apply to join the network: It usually involves filling out an application form on the network’s website. You may need to provide information about your website or marketing platform, promotional methods, and audience.

Choose affiliate programs within the network: After you’ve been accepted into the network, you can start choosing affiliate programs to promote. The network should provide a list of available programs, which you can browse and select based on your niche and audience.

Pros

Cons

Signing up for an affiliate program through a network can reduce the chances of being scammed or ripped off. Networks provide a centralized platform to connect advertisers with potential affiliates, making the process more efficient. Networks often offer support and resources to their partners, which can be helpful for new affiliates.

Advertisers pay a fee to their network partners for connecting them with affiliates, which can result in less attractive terms and conditions for affiliates. Networks may have strict rules and regulations that affiliates must follow, which can limit their flexibility. Some networks may have a limited selection of affiliate programs, making it difficult to find the right fit for your niche or audience.

How to Start an Affiliate Marketing in South Africa?

Starting an affiliate marketing business in South Africa can be lucrative. Here are some steps to get started you can follow up and consider:

• You can use tools like Google Trends or social media platforms to identify popular niches in South Africa.
• Decide on one program to join after referring to and carefully researching the features, pros, cons, payment methods, commission rate, etc.
• Promote affiliate link: After joining an affiliate program, you will be given a unique affiliate link. This link should be added to your social media channels or blog. You will earn a commission whenever someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase.
• Earn income: The more engagement you get, the more commissions you can earn.

It’s essential to keep in mind that success in affiliate marketing isn’t an overnight accomplishment. It requires consistent effort, patience, and a willingness to learn. You’ll need to refine your strategies continuously, stay informed about the latest trends in your niche, and deliver valuable content to your audience.

Always remember that building trust with your audience and providing them with valuable content is the key to successful affiliate marketing.

FAQs

Can I do affiliate marketing in South Africa?

Yes, you can. Earning money online has become easier with affiliate marketing. This method has gained popularity in South Africa as it offers a relatively passive and remote income source. Anyone can try their hand at affiliate marketing, making it a great opportunity for individuals looking to make some extra cash.

What is the potential income from affiliate marketing in South Africa?

Commission rates can vary between 5% and 20%, with some programs offering up to 50%. One such program, Promta Web Services, pays between R180 and R900 for each successful referral.

However, it’s essential to note that success in affiliate marketing requires consistent effort, strategic planning, and patience. The more skilled you become at promoting brands, the more earning potential you can unlock.

Affiliate marketing is not a shortcut to riches but a business strategy that requires time, effort, and dedication. However, the right approach can generate a steady stream of passive income.

Is it a must for affiliates to pay taxes in South Africa?

Yes, affiliates must fulfill their tax obligations in South Africa. The country follows a residence-based tax system, implying that all residents must pay taxes on their income, regardless of where they earned it.

It also applies to revenue generated through affiliate marketing. For non-residents, they will only have to pay taxes on the income earned from a South African source. It is highly recommended to seek advice from a tax expert or approach the South African Revenue Service for more information on the tax obligations related to affiliate income.

Wrapping up!

Affiliate marketing in South Africa presents a promising opportunity for individuals and businesses to generate income. We’ve explored 11 top affiliate programs in the region, each offering unique benefits and catering to various niches.

However, remember that the best affiliate programs in South Africa for you depend on your specific needs, interests, and audience. Therefore, we’ve provided guidance on how to identify the best fit for you and how to get started with affiliate marketing.

Becoming a successful affiliate marketer requires unwavering dedication, meticulous planning, and a healthy dose of patience. When done correctly, affiliate marketing can serve as a lucrative source of passive income and a fulfilling way to monetize your online endeavors.