The main reason is the “fly by night”, smooth talker, cell phone “back yard” operator. Such operators are usually totally oblivious to the latest building codes and requirements as specified in the SANS 10407:2006, as they are not members of the SA Thatcher’s Association. If the thatch roof fails within the next 2 years the “fly by night” won’t be there, so why should he build a roof of which the structure will last forever and the thatching more than 20 years?