Guguletu has a safety index of 13 out of 100 (Higher reported crime). This is a relative measure comparing reported crime across Cape Town suburbs, not an absolute safety guarantee. The Gugulethu precinct recorded approximately 5,804 crimes in the most recent annual period. Absolute crime volume is above the city average.

Is Guguletu affordable?

Guguletu is among the more affordable suburbs in Cape Town. With a median property value of R330K, it falls in the 9th percentile, below most of the city. Note that these figures are based on the City of Cape Town General Valuation 2022 and reflect municipal valuations, not necessarily current market prices.

What are utility costs in Guguletu?

The median monthly water cost per account in Guguletu is R246, 63% below the city median of R658. The median monthly electricity cost per account in Guguletu is R2,231, 17% above the median of CoCT-billed suburbs of R1,900.

What is the municipal debt in Guguletu?

As of May 2026, the average outstanding municipal debt per account in Guguletu is R24,066, 173% above the city median of R8,815. Figures include all account types, so may overstate household debt in areas with commercial activity.

Guguletu

A suburb with higher reported crime, more affordable property values, and good school access relative to Cape Town.

Safety13/100Safer than 1% of Cape Town suburbs (relative) · ↓ Improving Property2-400kTop 91%Schools2076% matric pass rate Healthcare23 facilitiesmore access than most suburbs CouncilNear avg complaints2d median resolution TransportMinibus taxi coveragewell-connected area

Data current as of June 2026

The neighbourhood

What's it like to live here?

Guguletu is a neighbourhood in Cape Flats, Cape Town, where property values place it among the more affordable areas in Cape Town. The area's safety profile is among the more challenging areas for reported safety in Cape Town. There is a strong presence of places of worship serving the community. The dominant commuter mode is minibus taxi.

How is the area changing?

In Guguletu, crime is declining based on the most recent quarterly comparison. Property value growth has lagged behind inflation between valuation rolls.

What should buyers know?

Guguletu is well-served by schools, and matric results sit below the city average. In this area, service complaints are generally resolved within a few days. The suburb is well-served by nearby healthcare facilities.

Neighbourhood summary generated from StreetSignal data and reviewed by our team.

These statistics describe the suburb as a whole. Conditions vary between streets and neighbourhoods within any suburb.

For home buyers & families

Is Guguletu safe?

Higher reported crime

Higher crimeModerateLower crime

25th percentile among 744 suburbs · Data: Q4 2025/2026 (Jan–Mar 2026) · relative index, not an absolute safety measure

HighAbsolute crime volume

5 804 reported crimes per year · city median: 4 280

↓ 8.9% vs Q3 2024

Crime statistics here reflect decades of underinvestment in infrastructure and services, not the character of the community. Crime has decreased over the past year. Contact crime (assault, robbery) dominates the reported crime profile.

Detailed data

Safety index (resident-adjusted) How is this calculated?: 13 / 100
Contact crime rate: 1,241,511 per 100k residents
Station population: 110 563
Harm rate (per resident): 18/100
Harm volume (absolute): 10/100
Data period: Q4 2025/2026 (Jan–Mar 2026)
Source: SAPS via DataFirst · CC-BY 4.0

Methodology note: The safety index combines harm-per-resident and absolute harm volume using a composite formula. In high-density precincts, population size dilutes the per-capita rate while absolute harm remains high. Both dimensions are reflected in the composite score.

This data reflects crimes reported to SAPS Gugulethu precinct, which covers Guguletu and surrounding suburbs. Reported crime may differ from actual crime levels.Full methodology

Disagree with this score? Challenge the methodology ›

Source: SAPS via DataFirst · Q4 2025/2026

FOR BUYERS & INVESTORS

What do properties cost in Guguletu?

9th percentile

Planned development

4 hectares of land in Guguletu are earmarked for new development across 3 parcels, primarily High Density Residential (3ha).

Source: CCT District Spatial Development Framework (January 2023). Development areas indicate planning designation, not construction timelines.

The median property value in Guguletu is R330K. Property values have grown by 2.2% per year since 2018.

A 2.2% annual growth rate (CAGR) over the valuation period.

Value band distribution – Guguletu properties (GV2022)

0-200k

2-400k ◀

4-600k

6-800k

800k-1M

Property values are based on the City of Cape Town's 2022 General Valuation roll. GV is an assessed value for municipal rating purposes; transaction prices frequently exceed GV. Recent sales transaction data and rental market data are not available as open data in South Africa.

Median GV2022: R330,000
Value growth (CAGR 2018–2022): +2.2% per year
City-wide value percentile: 9th percentile
Dominant value band: 2-400k
Source: CCT GV 2022 · Open Data Policy 27781
Vintage: General Valuation 2022 (municipal valuation, not current market price)

Source: City of Cape Town GV2022

FOR RESIDENTS

What do utilities cost in Guguletu?

Computed from City of Cape Town billing data

Water

R246 / month

63% below city median

Electricity

R2 231 / month

17% above median of CoCT-billed suburbs

Water trend:Dec 2025: R282Jan 2026: R212Feb 2026: R246

Electricity trend:Dec 2025: R2 743Jan 2026: R2 231Feb 2026: R2 090

Monthly cost per account from City of Cape Town billing data. Water coverage: 647 suburbs. Electricity coverage: 384 suburbs.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

Development activity in Guguletu

↓ Decreasing

Guguletu had 149 building plans approved in the last three financial years (FY22/23 to FY24/25), averaging 50 per year. Most were new residential builds.

3-year approvals: 149
Annual average: 50/yr
Avg project value: R418K

77% social housing77% of recent building plans in Guguletu were for RDP or low-cost housing projects.

Building plans approved by the City of Cape Town (2014-2025). Approvals indicate planned investment, not completed construction. This data reflects formal building activity only and does not capture informal construction, backyard dwellings, or building work undertaken without a formal plan submission. In areas with high informality, actual construction activity may be substantially higher than these figures suggest. Source: CoCT Building Development Management (DAMS).

FOR PARENTS

How are schools in Guguletu?

20 schools nearby

Guguletu has 20 schools within reach. The area matric pass rate is 76.2%, below the city median of 90.0%. Schools include Nompumelelo Skool.

Adjusted pass rate: 76.2%; City median: 90.0%
Schools contributing: 3; 678 candidates
Median quintile: Q3; Q3

–
Nompumelelo Skool
Public · Special needs · 315 learners · 13.1:1 learner-educator ratio
Specialist provision
–
Tembaletu
Public · Special needs · 190 learners · 9:1 learner-educator ratio
Specialist provision
–
Siviwe School Of Skills
Public · Special needs · 575 learners · 18.5:1 learner-educator ratio
Specialist provision
Q2
Lwazi Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 1,184 learners · 34.8:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Nobantu Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 646 learners · 38:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Sonwabo Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 1,013 learners · 37.5:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q2
Vukukhanye Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 768 learners · 34.9:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Intshukumo Secondary School
Public · Grades 8–12 · 1,469 learners · 35:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Fezeka Secondary School
Public · Grades 8–12 · 1,845 learners · 37.7:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Bonga Lower Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 504 learners · 29.6:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee schoolFavourable class size
Q3
Intshinga Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 361 learners · 24.1:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee schoolFavourable class size
Q3
Lehlohonolo Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 380 learners · 27.1:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee schoolFavourable class size
Q3
Mseki Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 621 learners · 28.2:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee schoolFavourable class size
Q3
Siyazingisa Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 1,024 learners · 34.1:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Sokhanyo Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 706 learners · 37.2:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
I. D. Mkize Sen Secondary
Public · Grades 8–12 · 1,585 learners · 39.6:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Litha Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 810 learners · 35.2:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Luzuko Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 460 learners · 24.2:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee schoolFavourable class size
Q3
Vuyani Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 955 learners · 39.8:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school
Q3
Xolani Primary School
Public · Grades R–7 · 1,082 learners · 34.9:1 learner-educator ratio
No-fee school

Quintile 5 is the highest government-funding category - fees apply, but these are the best-resourced public schools in South Africa. Rankings set by the WCED against community socioeconomic index. Learner-educator ratio (LER) is from EMIS Q2 2025; under 30:1 is favourable by WCED standards, over 40:1 indicates strained capacity. What quintile means ›

Source: DBE EMIS · Q2 2025

FOR COMMUTERS

How connected is Guguletu?

Taxi-connected

Guguletu has 64 minibus taxi routes, including routes to the CBD. The most common way people get to work is by minibus taxi (58%).

Taxi connectivity

Well connected

64 routes

93rd percentile · 36 destinations · CBD-connected

Athlone, Bellville, Cape town, Claremont, Claremont (guguletu), Claremont (via guguletu) +30 more

Based on CCT minibus taxi route data. Routes matched by name and spatial proximity (500m). Methodology ›

Commute mode share

Minibus taxis are the primary transport mode. The 58% share reflects a working-class commuter profile – taxi connectivity is a critical economic lifeline, not a lifestyle choice.

Private vehicle

23%

Walking

MyCiTi bus

13%

Minibus taxi

58%

Cape Town transport context: In South African cities, transport mode is a socioeconomic proxy – high private vehicle = affluent, high minibus taxi = working class, high walking = structural necessity not preference. StreetSignal reports modal share rather than a walkability index, which would misrepresent SA urban mobility. Methodology ›

Dominant mode: Minibus taxi (58%)
Source: CCT Household Survey 2024

Source: City of Cape Town Open Data · 2024

FOR RESIDENTS

What are living conditions in Guguletu?

Limited service delivery

Guguletu has a service delivery index of 69 out of 100, below the city median of 84.5. 46% of dwellings are formal structures.

Computed from the City of Cape Town 2024 Household Survey, Gugulethu survey group (122 households). direct.

› Adult food insecurity (34.1%) is 1.9× the city average of 18.3%.› Monthly accommodation expenditure (R200) is 0.1× the city median of R1,674.› Mobile-dependent: 72% of households rely on mobile data as their primary internet access.› 24% of households have experienced flooding, indicating elevated environmental vulnerability.› Violent crime victimisation reported by 12% of households (distinct from SAPS-reported statistics).› 37% of dwellings are informal structures, reflecting historical under-investment in formal housing provision.› Social grants reach 60% of households, providing a critical income safety net.

Food security

Adult food insecurity: 34.1%; City median: 18.3%
Child food insecurity: 23.7%; City median: 13.0%
Food insecurity prevalence: 37.0%; City median: 22.3%

Access to basic services

69City median: 85

Piped water: 51.4%
Flush toilet: 70.1%
Weekly refuse: 58.1%
Grid electricity: 97.7%

Housing & tenure – Informal or family-compound housing

46City median: 68

Formal dwellings: 45.7%
Owner-occupied: 27.8%
Rented: 17.7%

Environmental risk – Elevated risk exposure

48risk index · higher = greater risk · City median: 26

Flooding risk: 24.1%
Fire risk: 8.0%
Violent crime: 11.5%
Non-violent crime: 0.0%

Economic structure – Significant material pressure

Food spending share: 42.0%; Share of income spent on food
City median: 35.3%
Under pressure, limited discretionary income · 38th percentile
Hardship dimensions: 2; Areas of material need (out of 8)
Grant income share: 60.0%; of households receiving grants
Monthly savings: R197; Weighted mean per household

Digital inclusion – Mobile-dependent suburb

Home fibre: 16.1%; City median: 46.5%
Mobile only: 72.4%
No access: 7.0%

Demographics & community

Avg household size: 4.0 people
Avg children per household: 1.4

Asset ownership

Computer access: 13.0%
Fridge ownership: 91.4%
Property ownership: 1.4%
Geyser ownership: 5.5%
Borehole access: 2.8%

Home-based economy

Home-based business: 8.7%; of households operate a home-based business
WFH full-time: 1.4%
WFH part-time: 1.7%

Source: City of Cape Town 2024 Household Survey. Survey group: Gugulethu. direct.

Energy access

87%

Free basic electricity

5.6%

City median

87% of electricity connections in Guguletu receive free basic electricity under the City's indigent support programme. Free basic electricity is a constitutional entitlement providing a monthly allocation to qualifying households. The proportion reflects the reach of the City's indigent support in this suburb, not a measure of poverty.

Source: CCT prepaid electricity data (2025/11/30 to 2026/01/31). Covers prepaid connections only. Credit-metered households are not included. 50,269 connections.

Source: City of Cape Town household survey · 2024

FOR RESIDENTS

How responsive are municipal services in Guguletu?

Responsive

The City of Cape Town resolves service requests in Guguletu in a median of 2 days, compared to the city-wide median of 1 day. This is based on 46,090 service requests to the City of Cape Town.

Computed from City of Cape Town service request data

Below-average municipal responsiveness. A 2-day median resolution is slower than the city median – infrastructure complaints take meaningfully longer to resolve.

Median days to resolve
City median: 1

27th

Percentile
across Cape Town

18%

Resolved
same day

Power outage (28%)Sewerage overflow (17%)PPM Display Blank (8%)PPM KRN Fault (3%)Single street light out (2%)

Service requests logged: 46 090
Requests resolved: 79% (36 388 of 46 090)
75% resolved within: 5 days
90% resolved within: 12 days
Source: CCT service request database

Community & faith

Places of worship

35 registered

Christian

Places of worship per suburb from City of Cape Town open data, supplemented with OpenStreetMap data (© OpenStreetMap contributors). Coverage: 373 of 744 suburbs.

Municipal complaints

Complaints & top issues

Near city average

Complaint rate How is this calculated?: 1501.4 per 1,000 households
Total complaints: 41 500
Unresolved: 21.0%

Top issues: Power outage (12 198), Sewerage overflow (6 378), PPM Display Blank (3 437)

Source: City of Cape Town C3 service requests

MUNICIPAL FINANCE

Municipal debt in Guguletu

173% above city median

Computed from City of Cape Town financial data

Municipal debt in Guguletu averages R24 066 per account, compared to the city median of R8 815.

R24 066

per account

173% above city median

Trend:Mar 2026: R23 904Apr 2026: R24 066May 2026: R24 605

Breakdown as of May 2026

Property rates: R17 678 134
Electricity: R66 409 546
Water: R83 508 067
Refuse: R12 964 954
Sewerage: R28 263 016
City-wide cleaning: R171 342
Improvement district: R0

Outstanding municipal arrears from City of Cape Town financial records. Coverage: 741 suburbs. Per-account figures available for 582 suburbs.

FOR FAMILIES

What services are near Guguletu?

Well served

Healthcare access

23 within 5km

Nearest public: Guguletu Clinic · Community Day Centre · 0.6 km
Nearest private: Melomed Gatesville · Private Hospital · 3.6 km
Public facilities: 22
Private facilities: 1

This suburb has access to both public and private healthcare within 5 km.

The nearest fire station to Guguletu is Guguletu, 2.0 km away. The nearest public pool is Vulindlela Swimming Pool, 0.6 km away. The nearest clinic is Guguletu Clinic, 0.6 km away.

Nearest clinic: Guguletu Clinic · 0.6 km
Nearest library: Guguletu · 0.7 km
Nearest park / open space: Lotus Canal Greenbelt · 0.37 km

Fire station

km to nearest
fire station

Guguletu

community station

within-5km

response
category

Cape Town has 32 fire stations serving 744 suburbs. Source: CCT open data.

Public swimming pools

0.6

km to nearest
public pool

pools
within 5 km

pools
within 10 km

Nearest pool: Vulindlela Swimming Pool

Cape Town operates 35 public swimming pools. Source: CCT open data.

Distances straight-line from suburb centroid.

Source: City of Cape Town facility registry

Nearby suburbs

Manenberg1.3km · R480K

28→

Nyanga1.7km · R330K

→

Montevideo2.0km · R1.1M

100→

Heideveld2.3km · R480K

31→

Surrey Estate2.5km · R1.6M

40→

Similar safety & property profile

Similar suburbs

5 matches

Joe Slovo ParkR0-200k

18→

LangaR4-600k

15→

Explore surrounding areas

Bordering suburbs

9 adjacent

Suburbs that border or sit adjacent to Guguletu. Each has its own safety profile, property market, and service data.

Bonteheuwel Charlesville Crossroads Heideveld Manenberg Montana Montevideo Nyanga Philippi

Guguletu

What's it like to live here?

How is the area changing?

What should buyers know?

Is Guguletu safe?

What do properties cost in Guguletu?

What do utilities cost in Guguletu?

Development activity in Guguletu

How are schools in Guguletu?

How connected is Guguletu?

Taxi connectivity

Commute mode share

What are living conditions in Guguletu?

Food security

Access to basic services

Housing & tenure – Informal or family-compound housing

Environmental risk – Elevated risk exposure

Economic structure – Significant material pressure

Digital inclusion – Mobile-dependent suburb

Demographics & community

Asset ownership

Home-based economy

How responsive are municipal services in Guguletu?

Places of worship

Complaints & top issues

Municipal debt in Guguletu

What services are near Guguletu?

Healthcare access

Fire station

Public swimming pools

Nearby suburbs

Similar suburbs

Bordering suburbs

Related articles

Help us improve Guguletu

Guguletu

What's it like to live here?

How is the area changing?

What should buyers know?

Is Guguletu safe?

What do properties cost in Guguletu?

What do utilities cost in Guguletu?

Development activity in Guguletu

How are schools in Guguletu?

How connected is Guguletu?

Taxi connectivityRanks this suburb's taxi route access against all 744 Cape Town suburbs. Based on routes matched by name and within 500m of suburb centre. Large suburbs may have higher actual connectivity than shown.Full methodology ›

Commute mode share

What are living conditions in Guguletu?

Food security

Access to basic services

Housing & tenure – Informal or family-compound housing

Environmental risk – Elevated risk exposure

Economic structure – Significant material pressure

Digital inclusion – Mobile-dependent suburb

Demographics & community

Asset ownership

Home-based economy

How responsive are municipal services in Guguletu?

Places of worship

Complaints & top issues

Municipal debt in Guguletu

What services are near Guguletu?

Healthcare access

Fire station

Public swimming pools

Nearby suburbs

Similar suburbs

Bordering suburbs

Related articles

Help us improve Guguletu

Get updates for Guguletu

Taxi connectivity