Affordability is pushing some South Africans from expensive areas like Cape Town to more affordable towns in the Western Cape, or to Gauteng for better employment opportunities.
Migration patterns across South Africa reveal shifting dynamics, with Gauteng and the other parts of the Western Cape emerging as the two primary destinations for semigrants.
The reasons for moving are factors such as economic opportunity, affordability, quality of life, and governance.
Gauteng continues to lead as the province experiencing the highest population influx.
According to Stats SA, Gauteng’s allure comes from its status as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, offering job opportunities and affordable property options.
Gauteng is home to 1.1 million foreign-born individuals, far surpassing the 368,000 residing in the Western Cape.
Gauteng also experiences a significant outflow of wealthier residents, drawn to the Western Cape by its superior service delivery and lifestyle appeal.
Although Cape Town’s attributes for semigration are its reputation for effective governance, stunning landscapes, and high living standards, affordability challenges are causing some residents to leave the city.
While Cape Town’s property prices remain higher than those in Johannesburg or Pretoria, rising prices have tempered the pace of migration.
Johannesburg is South Africa’s most affordable major metro, with an average property transaction price of R1.2 million, below the national average of R1.3 million.
Gauteng has potential as an investment hub, provided that governance and infrastructure improve.
Areas offering improved services and safety within gated estates are particularly attractive to buyers.