Hearing on Racist Rental Practices to Begin

The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) will hold a public hearing regarding racist practices in the property sector today in Durban, South Africa.

Citizens who experienced discrimination—including race-specific requests from landlords—are asked to testify. The aim is to highlight the magnitude of the problem and to discuss possible solutions with the public and industry at large. Investigations have taken place in Western Cape, Johannesburg, and Cape Town following 15 complaints filed after the announcement of the hearings.

Sections 9 and 10 of the South African Constitution, as well as the “Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act” provide that racism be eradicated from its historic hold on South Africa, so expect findings to be submitted with the aim of supporting legislative changes addressing racism in the property sector.

It is unlikely, however, that these findings will contribute to greater equality in South African property ownership. Racism is ingrained into the property market, as access has been racially defined and rooted in the historical apartheid-era ideologies of racial segregation. Studies show that without specific allocations, such as inclusionary housing, for those who have been historically discriminated against, grievances of black South Africans regarding the property industry will likely continue.