Stories: Marosane and Paul from de Oude Weg, Cape Town

Tell us a little about yourself!

We are Paul and Marosane Hutchinson, a couple living in Cape Town. We’ve been here for the past 16 years after moving from Bloemfontein. We’ve been married since 2004 and are proud parents to our two boys, Gabriel (9) and Daniel (5).

My journey (Paul) has been one of resilience and innovation. I left school before matriculating to start my first business, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. Over time, I developed an interest in fostering organisational innovation and creativity. This interest grew after the birth of our first son, leading me to explore new ways to build systems that support growth and sustainability.

Marosane, on the other hand, draws her inspiration from her upbringing in a small Karoo town in the Eastern Cape. Raised by parents who valued simplicity, she has always been passionate about living a balanced and meaningful life. She firmly believes in finding simple, practical solutions that allow for more time spent on the things that truly matter, such as family, nature, and adventures.

Together, we channel our passions into The Hutchi Homestead, a project that reflects our shared commitment to a self-sufficient, debt-free lifestyle. The homestead is dedicated to helping families lead healthier, more sustainable lives. It’s our platform for documenting our journey toward simplicity and sustainability, offering insights and practical advice to inspire others to embrace a lifestyle that is both fulfilling and environmentally conscious.

How did you start doing what you are doing now?

Our journey toward a simpler, debt-free life began about four years ago. We realised we were caught in the "rat race," constantly working hard but never truly enjoying time together. We had a comfortable life in a three-bedroom house with two nice cars, but beneath the surface, the weight of debt was overwhelming. It felt like we were just treading water, trying to keep up with the growing demands of our lifestyle and family.

I (Paul) had always been drawn to the idea of living in a tiny home on wheels, seeing it as a way to cut expenses and break free from the cycle of debt. We knew that following the same path as everyone else would only lead to the same unsatisfying results. We were growing increasingly uneasy with the status quo.

One evening, after another long week of work, we found ourselves asking the big question: Why are we doing this? That conversation marked the turning point. We made a firm decision to dig our way out of debt, no matter how difficult the journey. It was the first step in a radical but transformative process.

We began by changing our spending habits, focusing on saving up to buy things outright instead of relying on monthly payments. This shift started freeing up our budget, allowing us to tackle our debt more aggressively. The next big step was letting go of our costly lifestyle. We gradually downsized, trading our expensive cars for more affordable ones. Small victories gave us the confidence to keep going.

The biggest change came when we decided that our bond payments, rates, and levies were too much to handle. We sold our three-bedroom house and moved into a one-bedroom studio to save money while searching for a piece of land. We almost secured a large piece of land, but when a developer’s offer was accepted instead, it nearly made us give up. However, as we stayed in our small apartment, a smaller plot of land found us. At first, I (Paul) wasn’t keen on it because it was only 619m², but Marosane fell in love with the view, and we decided to go for it.

Now, we’ve built a small apartment on the property, funded entirely with cash, where we’re currently living as we construct our new home with a garage. The small apartment will eventually become a rental, providing a source of income.

We’ve been incredibly blessed along the way, receiving unexpected support from friends and family who were initially skeptical but later came to cheer us on. What we've learned is that you can escape the rat race and secure a better future for your family. It takes determination, time, and sacrifices, but it’s possible—and absolutely worth it.

What are you most proud of in this process?

Reflecting on our journey, the thing we’re most proud of is the courage it took to make the decision and change our lifestyle to become debt-free. It wasn’t easy to make such a drastic shift, but that decision has had a profound impact on our lives and also on those around us.

This step inspired and encouraged our family and friends, who rallied around us in ways we never expected. We received not just emotional and physical support but also financial support from those who believed in our vision. With their help, we were able to build our little apartment, where we now live, entirely with cash—something we never imagined we could achieve.

We’ve seen firsthand how having the courage to go “against the tide” can encourage and inspire others to get involved, whether that’s through offering support or simply being motivated to make their own positive changes.

What is the most helpful piece of advice you received when you were just starting out?

The best advice we received when starting out was to "keep it simple and take it step by step." By breaking down our goals into manageable pieces, we made each challenge more achievable and sustainable. This approach allowed us to stay focused, making consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. It's a reminder that simplicity and patience are key to overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.

What advice would you like to give to others who are younger/earlier on their journey?

The most valuable advice we can offer is to "avoid debt and work with cash as much as possible." By focusing on what you can afford now, rather than borrowing against your future, you’ll find yourself in a stronger financial position over time. This approach not only helps you stay within your means but also allows you to invest in your future. It's about prioritising long-term stability over short-term desires, paving the way for a more secure and fulfilling life. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Becoming debt-free in South Africa is crucial for achieving financial independence and long-term security, especially in today’s economic climate. Debt can be a significant burden, limiting your ability to save, invest, and plan for the future. By eliminating debt, individuals and families gain greater control over their finances, reduce stress, and have more freedom to pursue their goals and dreams.

Even though we are still on a journey to become debt-free, we believe that it is a fundamental goal for any South African family and something we would highly recommend to today’s youth. Becoming debt-free was actually one of the reasons we started The Hutchi Homestead.