15 Comments
User's avatar
Dr Priyanka Upadhyai's avatar

I have the same issue and at first I thought it was a problem but now I believe it’s probably for the best for me because I have a full time job and the paid subscription is an animal that will have to be fed consistently month to month. I hope to monetise through groups or 1:1 work outside Substack which I can tailor according to seasons of my life.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I never thought of it like that. Perhaps it's a good thing not to feel pressured to write. Then readers can show appreciation for certain pieces.

Writer Pilgrim by So Elite's avatar

Unless you've done it already, why don't you share your concerns and ask for advice with the people running this platform. If you get together with other South African writers you may get to add some pressure to make this work for you as well.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

We have spoken up and asked for help. Nothing has been done. I guess if you don't benefit them, you are of no concern.

Writer Pilgrim by So Elite's avatar

I'm really sorry to hear that. Write again and bring up the same concerns. But from my quick look around, it seems that one article was saying that it's too much of a high cost for Substack to benefit from it anyways so it may not be a possibility for them if there is so much red tape. It's a shame our world is divided in north and south everything in so many more areas than just Substack where the benefits are for a few.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

It will be a cost that can't be recovered. Sadly.

imarkanx || istvan markan 🍁's avatar

The short answer is Stripe is not available to work with South African financial services, so you cannot. The longer answer is you need to setup Stripe via a country that is supported, and that means having a bank account in another country. The specific solution will vary based on your comfort and the laws of South Africa around foreign accounts.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I gathered that from other users, and it can only start paying after I have gained at least 30 paid subscribers. Mission impossible.

Terry Angelos's avatar

It's terribly frustrating for us in South Africa. Let me know if you have any luck.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

https://open.substack.com/pub/johanfourie/p/substacking-from-south-africa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2tp83q

Very expensive. Read the comments. It's near impossible. But there's a form we can click and fill in to complain. Good gracious!

Deer Girl's avatar

I had a little search. Couldn’t find much, but perhaps this might be helpful?

https://www.ourlongwalk.com/p/substacking-from-south-africa

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you! I will have a look. 💞

Aster solenne's avatar

No idea, Rea. But hope yuh find a solution

Rea de Miranda's avatar

Thank you, dear Aster. 💗

Aster solenne's avatar

Ofcourse, Rea!💗