I have an Lesotho Exemption Permit to study in South Africa. Would I be breaking the law if I taught English online as a freelancer?

The long answer

No, you would not be breaking the law: VFS Global says that a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) allows a national from Lesotho to legally study, work, or conduct business freely. In contrast, a standard South African study visa is strictly limited to studying, and restricts part-time work to 20 hours a week.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says that if you earn income in South Africa or meet local tax thresholds, you are required to register with SARS. The current personal income tax threshold in South Africa for the 2027 tax year (1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027) is R99,000 per year, if you are under 65 years old. 

They say that employers must supply an IRP5 certificate or deduct the correct Pay As You Earn amounts.

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants reported that the LEP has been extended to 28 May 2027, under Immigration Directive No. 20 of 2025. As a LEP holder, you are legally protected from arrest or removal under Section 34 of the Immigration Act during this period.

They add that waiver and appeal concessions have been extended further, until 30 June 2027, to account for administrative backlogs. 

The Government Gazette of 7 October 2025 says that free entry and departure through South African ports for LEP holders is permitted under Section 9 of the Immigration Act, without requiring an endorsement sticker in the passport

Wishing you the best,
Athalie