For those of you who haven’t read my previous post on the Bo-Kaap, it’s a vibrant community in Cape Town known for its brightly painted homes. Many of the original residents are descendants of slaves, as the Bo-Kaap was historically a slave community. Today, its colourful homes make it a popular tourist destination, with people flocking to take photos in the streets and in front of the multicoloured houses
Unfortunately, gentrification is taking hold in the area, displacing long-time residents. Gentrification happens when the middle class moves into an area, leading to urban development and a sharp increase in rent prices, which forces current occupants out. Often, this development doesn’t benefit the local community; the apartments, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and stores are frequently owned by outsiders rather than residents.
The tourist appeal of the Bo-Kaap is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve previously written about responsible travel and its importance. There are locally owned businesses in the area, including local women offering cooking classes and local tour guides. Visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum and the mosques allows visitors to learn about the area’s rich history. All of these different sites and experiences allow tourists to visit the Bo-Kaap in a responsible way. A way that supports the residents of the community.
When I visit, I buy koeksisters (spice-filled doughnuts) from small shops. I avoid larger shops because I know they aren’t locally owned. While bigger businesses need support too, I prefer to support those that are rooted in the community, especially since many larger businesses lack corporate social investment plans. The video below is of the little trip I took to Atlas, which is a well known family owned spice shop owned by residents of the Bo-kaap since it’s establishment 1946.Â
I might visit one of the establishments contributing to gentrification, but I do my best to avoid them. If I know a place isn’t locally owned, I choose to spend my money elsewhere. The most disheartening aspect of recent events is that protests in the Bo-Kaap were met with tear gas from the police. Protesters were trying to stop a crane from entering the area for the construction of a new apartment building. The property developers claim they informed the community and received their consent, but protesters say no one in the community was consulted. It’s a shame that an area with a history so deeply tied to oppression and slavery is now facing yet another challenge that threatens the welfare of its residents.
I originally planned to write this post later, but Tuesday’s protests have once again brought this issue into the media spotlight, and it’s been on my mind. Travel should never harm others; it should always be a positive experience. I’m hopeful that travelers will become more responsible, choosing not just to sign up for photo tours but to truly experience and support the Bo-Kaap
Read more: The gentrification of the Bo-Kaaphttps://voertaal.nu/the-impact-of-bo-kaap-gentrification-an-interview-with-aidan-africa/
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-gentrification-how-works
https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-arrested-residents-injured-in-bo-kaap-protests-18199925
https://etd.uwc.ac.za/handle/11394/10760?show=full
Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Happy travels
xxx Nikki xxx
Nikkidiscovers 