"This Should Be Illegal": R8k Rental in Cape Town Gives SA Chest Pains in Video, Mzansi Reacts

• A woman's social media post about an R8,000 rental in Cape Town has sparked outrage, with many questioning the high price tag given the apartment's small size and lack of modern finishes
• The one-bedroom apartment in Rondebosch features a cramped living space with no separation between living zones, leading many to describe it as resembling student digs rather than a high-priced rental
• The incident has reignited the debate around Cape Town's housing market, with many calling for rent regulation policies to protect tenants from what they see as exorbitant prices and "daylight robbery"

A woman caused a massive stir on social media after showcasing an R8k rental in Cape Town that didn’t match the expectations for its price tag.

A one-bedroom apartment in Rondebosch, Cape Town, has sparked outrage on social media after being listed for a staggering R7,950 per month, despite offering minimal space and lacking any sign of modern interior finishes.

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R8k Cape Town rental sparks outrage

The babe took to her TikTok handle, @itsnabsx, on March 18, 2025, where she shared a video of the apartment. It featured a cramped living space where the kitchen, bedroom and lounge area are all closely packed together. South Africans were quick to express their shock, with many saying the unit resembled student digs more than a high-priced rental.

While Rondebosch is a popular suburb known for its proximity to universities and key amenities, many felt the price tag did not match the offering, with one person saying the following in the comments section:

"Ridiculous. Rent control is desperately needed. I know supply and demand, but it needs to be justifiable."

Viewers pointed out that the apartment lacked any separation between living zones, with the bed practically placed in the kitchen and barely any room to move around. There were no signs of recent renovations or any effort to make the space feel luxurious or modern.

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Some even joked that Cape Town rentals were turning into “urban shoeboxes,” while others questioned how young professionals or students could afford such pricing amid the country’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

This listing has once again reignited the debate around Cape Town’s housing market, where rental prices continue to soar even for outdated properties. Many are calling for rent regulation policies to be introduced to protect tenants from what they describe as “daylight robbery.”

As the video continues to circulate online, the conversation around rental affordability in Mzansi’s urban centres grows louder, with Rondebosch now at the centre of the storm.

Watch the video below:

Mzansi is not impressed

The debate also raises concerns about housing affordability in Mzansi’s most expensive city. Many believe that while Cape Town offers breathtaking views and vibrant city life, the cost of living has become unrealistic for the average South African. Online users took to the comments to weigh in with their thoughts.

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Nyathengo expressed:

"I have even lost weight cause of house hunting and the rentals."

Hana D. Secs shared:

"Sea Point is like this, but probably 12k or more per month. Heck, they even sell for R2.3M for a 32sqm 0.5 bedroom. Literally, your kitchen is just opposite your bed. And people buy it."

Aqeem | Digitis.co.za wrote:

"This is becoming a norm for rentals in Cape Town / South Africa... China has already fully adopted this."

Strumentall commented:

"Wow. The audacity to put that price."

South African singer-songwriter Lloyiso said:

"This should be illegal!"

Rondebosch is a middle-to-upper-tier rental area in Cape Town. The average monthly rent for a one‑bedroom apartment typically ranges from R13,000 to R16,000, with a few listings as low as R10,000 for studios or smaller units in shared accommodations. Two-bedroom apartments generally start around R18,500, with higher-end options reaching R20,000 or more.

Recent listings on such platforms as Property24 and RentUncle confirm that rental rates in Rondebosch align with Southern Suburbs standards, where one-bed units usually cost between R6,500 and R10,000, and two-bed apartments go from R8,500 to R20,000 per month.

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SA vents on high cost of living in Mzansi

• A young woman has left Mzansi in disbelief after sharing a video of a R16,000-per-month bachelor apartment in Cape Town.
• A woman on TikTok, Precious White, could no longer face the challenges that came with living in Cape Town and returned home.
• One man in South Africa, had enough of the high cost of living and took to social media to vent his frustration, which many could relate to. A young woman complained about her financial struggles and the mounting bills, saying she hardly enjoys her salary.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News