A Tale of Two Cities – Why Gauteng Is Winning Back Cape Town’s Semigrants

Loading player...
GUEST: Jonathan Kohler, CEO of Landsdowne



As the cost of coastal living continues to climb, is the tide turning on South Africa’s semigration boom? We speak to Jonathan Kohler, CEO of Landsdowne, about a surprising shift: the return of semigrants to Johannesburg.



Kohler unpacks why Gauteng’s affordability, improving lending conditions, and practical lifestyle are luring back professionals once drawn to Cape Town’s scenic promise. With Cape Town’s average rents topping R16,000 a month and municipal costs climbing, middle-income earners are rethinking the coastal dream. By contrast, Joburg’s average property prices (R1.3m vs Cape Town’s R2.1m) and lower living costs offer more space and long-term value
8 Jul 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

PPS Delivers R6.88bn in Profit‑Share

PPS Group CEO Izak Smit unpacks a second consecutive record year, with R6.88bn allocated to members and R6.67bn paid in claims. He explains the strength of the mutual model.
22 Apr 4PM 16 min

Capitec’s R16.8bn Year

Capitec CEO Graham Lee discusses the bank’s 23% earnings surge, its diversified business model, and the rapid rise of digital payments.
22 Apr 4PM 14 min

Inflation Through the Eyes of the Consumer

Eighty20 Director Andrew Fulton translates the CPI numbers into real‑world household pressure. From meat‑led food inflation to the looming oil shock, he explores which consumers are most exposed and how spending behaviour is shifting.
22 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA’s Draft AI Policy: The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Free SA spokesperson Gideon Joubert discusses the organization's concerns about South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy—including expanded bureaucracy, duplicated institutions, and barriers for startups.
21 Apr 4PM 5 min