In a revealing confession shared on TikTok, Khanyisa (@king_khanyi), a forex trading commentary and education content creator, has given a voice to many South Africans facing the daunting challenge of finding affordable housing in Cape Town.
Khanyisa’s aspiration to move from Johannesburg to Cape Town, a city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, quickly unravelled.
With a budget of R17 000 per month, she envisioned herself living comfortably in this popular tourist destination.
Armed with a strong confidence buoyed by her financial success, she believed she could secure a suitable place.
But those hopes were dashed almost as soon as she arrived.
“I attempted to move to Cape Town last month, but I was back home in Joburg within two weeks,” Khanyisa explained.
“I love Cape Town with my whole heart, and I travel there every two months. I felt like I wanted a fresh start, but I completely underestimated the rental market.”
@king_khanyi I’m happy with my potholes in Johannesburg. Yall can keep your mountain. #capetown #capetownsouthafrica🇿🇦 #southafrica #fyp #johannesburg ♬ original sound – ADHD TRADER FX
Khanyisa recounted her experience of viewing various properties across sought-after suburbs, including Plumstead, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Tableview and Richwood.
What she found was shocking: in Johannesburg, R17 000 could secure an expansive house in Douglasdale.
In contrast, her search yielded cramped spaces in Cape Town, sometimes less than 60 square metres.
After consulting a real estate agent, she learned that many foreigners rent properties in Cape Town for short periods, making it difficult for locals to find affordable housing.
“The agent told me that Europeans and Americans often pay for an entire year’s rent just to stay for a few months. That’s when I realised I couldn’t compete,” Khanyisa added.
Ultimately, she returned to Johannesburg, where she quickly found three suitable places within two weeks.
“I’m now paying less for a much bigger space, complete with amenities like a clubhouse, restaurant delivery, and a spa.”
@king_khanyi Replying to @-whitepoodle my dignity was dragged through the mud 😭 #capetown #capetownsouthafrica🇿🇦 #southafrica #fyp #johannesburg ♬ original sound – ADHD TRADER FX
“I am so good with staying here with my potholes,” she declared.
“I took Johannesburg for granted because that mountain made me dizzy. Cape Town is beautiful, but it’s not worth the struggle.”
The sentiments expressed by Khanyisa resonated deeply with netizens, many of whom echoed their own frustrations with Cape Town’s housing crisis.
User @tumiturna remarked, “I only lived in Cape Town as a student. The easiest way to live there is to be a student in res.”
Another user, @nolene.mncube, shared, “I moved from Randburg to Cape Town six months ago… I’m ready to pack up and move back. Cape Town is for foreigners, and we’re paying for resources that should be accessible to us.”
User @taypornthip added, “Cape Town is only for vacations, not for residential living.”
@kaylakimkay expressed, “I moved from Cape Town to Johannesburg because it no longer belongs to us. Prices spike in rental and Airbnb over summer. The sad reality is that Cape Town is now for foreigners.”
While @refined.beauty.by.azraa stated, “Maturing is realising Cape Town is forcing locals out to make space for foreigners. Everything is doubled – rent, groceries, electricity, water. I’ve been wanting to move back to Johannesburg.”
