Surprising Migration Patterns: South Africans Shifting Away from Big Cities
The latest data from property specialists Lightstone Property reveals a noteworthy trend in South African migration patterns, suggesting a growing discontent with urban living, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gauteng, one of the country’s major provinces, is experiencing a decline in its property market share, while the Western Cape is emerging as the leading destination for those seeking a change.
Notably, it’s not Cape Town but smaller towns within the Western Cape that are witnessing a surge in population.
The shift in South African migration patterns is a significant development that reflects changing preferences and priorities among the population.
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in reshaping how people perceive urban living.
The New Destination: Smaller Western Cape Towns
South Africans appear to be increasingly drawn to the charm of smaller towns in the Western Cape, and Overstand and False Bay are becoming popular choices.
Lightstone Property’s data underscores this shift away from major metropolitan areas, with several smaller Western Cape towns experiencing growth.
The appeal of smaller towns often lies in their more relaxed pace of life, natural beauty, and reduced population density, factors that have gained prominence during the pandemic.
Specific Areas of Growth
The most significant growth is observed in areas like Overstrand, Stellenbosch, Hessequa, Knysna, Prince Albert, Saldanha Bay, Swellendam, Bergrivier, and Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.
These regions have seen an increase in property sales market share, rising from 15% to 17%.
The data highlights that South Africans are seeking refuge in regions that offer a change from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Smaller towns have their unique appeal and are becoming more attractive for various reasons.
Big Cities Experience Decline
In contrast, the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng has experienced a decline in its property market share, dropping from 16% to 15%.
Interestingly, the migration trend isn’t solely about coastal areas, as KwaZulu-Natal (eThekweni and Msunduzi) has also lost market share, decreasing from 12% to 11%.
The decline in major cities’ appeal may be linked to issues such as crime, governance challenges, and a desire for a change in lifestyle.
Eastern Cape Bucks the Trend
The Eastern Cape has experienced some growth, despite increased crime rates.
This growth is seen in areas like Jeffreys Bay, St Francis, Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea, and Mthatha.
However, Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City have witnessed a decline.
The Eastern Cape’s resilience amid challenges indicates that migration patterns are not uniform, and various factors influence people’s choices.
A Shift Away from Big-City Living
This data raises questions about whether South Africans’ migration away from big cities reflects a growing dissatisfaction with urban living, concerns about crime, and a desire for more effective governance.
The shift in migration patterns is a topic that invites discussion and analysis, as it reflects societal changes and evolving priorities.
It’s a trend worth watching as it may have broader implications for urban planning and governance in South Africa.
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