Tag: HomeOwnership

South Africa’s mining sector has long been shaped by migrant labour systems. Employees travelled vast distances from rural homes to industrial centres. For decades, hostel accommodation supported this reality. Although functional in many respects, it ultimately proved undesirable and unsustainable for our social fabric.

There is a noticeable shift taking place in South Africa's property market. However, it does not follow traditional routes. Owning a home no longer necessarily means living in it. Increasingly, millennials and Gen Z are renting in areas that suit their lifestyle. At the same time, they buy property elsewhere as investment opportunities.

Housing market data has shown a broad rise in the house price/rent ratio over some years. This trend would point to relative affordability shifting in favour of the rental option over buying. However, there is far more to consider in the “rent vs buy” debate. We recently saw the release of StatsSA’s House Price Indices for December 2025. This release completed the house price performance picture for last year.

For many people, the word credit evokes negative feelings because they associate it with debt risk. However, when we analyse its macroeconomic role, we must draw a clear distinction. We must distinguish between lending for general consumption and lending for a specific, productive purpose. The first approach remains broad and unfocused. As a result, it often produces the burdensome outcomes that fuel fear. The second approach offers a more responsible alternative.