Lebogang Gaoaketse | Head | Marketing and Communications | WesBank | mail me |
Every day, millions of South Africans travel to work by car, taxi, train, e-hailing or on foot. Most of us track our spending in Rand terms. However, we rarely consider the true cost of mobility, especially the cost measured in time.
Time is one of our most valuable resources. Unlike money, we cannot earn it back. Yet many people still ignore time when making commuting decisions. This gap shows how easily we overlook the true cost of mobility in our daily routines.
Mobility is not just about getting from A to B. It’s about what that journey costs you in time, in money and in quality of life. His point highlights the true cost of mobility for many households.
The cost of time
A recent study by the University of Cape Town shows that South Africans spend 30 to 60 minutes travelling one way to work. That totals about 7.5 hours a week. It equals four full working days each month. Over a year, it adds up to more than 360 hours. That is 15 full days spent commuting.
The study also shows that walking makes up over 55% of all trips in the country. Many people walk because they cannot afford other options. One in three South Africans faces this challenge. This increases the time cost sharply for lower-income households. These long hours reflect the true cost of mobility for vulnerable groups.
Every extra hour spent commuting is an hour away from family, rest or personal growth. That’s part of the true cost of mobility.
The cost of choice
Whether you drive, use e-hailing or rely on public transport, each option brings trade-offs:
- E-hailing costs about R80 per trip. Two trips a day total roughly R3,200 per month. You gain flexibility, but costs rise quickly.
- Gautrain fares range between R120 and R140 for a Pretoria-to-Sandton round trip. Monthly costs reach R2,800 to R3,500. You gain comfort and reliability, but routes stay fixed.
- Minibus taxis cost between R15 and R25 per trip. Monthly totals range from R600 to R1,000. You save money, but face unpredictable travel time and safety concerns.
- Each option blends cost, convenience and time. The best choice varies for every commuter.
The value of ownership
Vehicle ownership offers control, independence and predictable planning. You absorb repayments, fuel, insurance and maintenance. However, you gain stability in return.
When people have a clear picture of their mobility costs, they can make smarter decisions. That’s why we offer tools and insights that turn car ownership into a confident choice.
WesBank’s Vehicle Finance Calculator helps customers check affordability before they commit. Partnerships with brands like Geely Auto, GWM and JAC Motors offer more affordable vehicles. This helps many South Africans reduce the true cost of mobility over the long term.
Rethinking mobility
More South Africans now choose hybrid mobility lifestyles. Some use small, fuel-efficient cars during the week. They switch to e-hailing on weekends. Others mix public transport with e-hailing to manage first- and last-mile travel. Many families now own one car. They balance affordability with flexibility by coordinating schedules. They also use lift clubs and other shared options.
Mobility is personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding the combination that gives you freedom and balance.
Mobility involves more than moving from A to B. It involves empowerment. The cheapest option might cost you hours. The most convenient might stretch your budget. The real win comes when you choose the option that works for your life. That decision shows whether you understand the true cost of mobility in your daily journey.
