A new Migration Report by Wise Move , a technology platform that has been described as the "Uber of moving", used data on about 15 000 "digitally facilitated" moves in 2024 to compile the report.
Intriguingly, reasons like crime 0.6, divorce 0.5 and political instability 0.1 were among the least cited reasons for relocating, "challenging common assumptions".
- About 70 of all moves are within the same province
- Most migration is taking place between Gauteng and the Western Cape see charts below. The Eastern Cape also experienced a net gain, though much smaller than the Western Capes
- Most South Africans prefer to move during school holidays
- Young professionals dominate the moving landscape at least through Wise Move's platform, with the 25-34 age group making up the largest share 31.2, followed closely by the 35-44 age group 24.4, suggesting that moves are "driven largely by career changes, lifestyle upgrades and family growth".
On the migration from Gauteng to the Western Cape, Wise Move said Gauteng "naturally attracts young professionals starting their careers". However, the data in the report has revealed a 'striking trend": while Gauteng saw a high volume of internal migration, it faced the largest net loss of residents for 2024".
"It seems that while many South Africans head to Johannesburg to launch their careers, most eventually move on," the report said.
"In contrast, the Western Cape emerged as the biggest winner in interprovincial migration. With 32.4 of all interprovincial moves headed to the Cape, it has also retained its talent - contributing only 15.1 to out-migration to a different province.