Cape Town’s inner‑city housing crisis is deepening as rents in the central business district soar. A surge in short‑term rentals such as Airbnb has driven property prices up, making affordable housing increasingly unattainable for low‑income workers who need to live close to their jobs and essential services. The tourism boom has amplified demand for accommodation in the city centre, pushing many residents out of the area and leaving them with few affordable options.
For residents like Fundisa Loza, living in the CBD is a necessity, not a luxury. “We want to be in the city so we don’t have to pay for transport,” she says, pointing to the unreliable public‑transport system and the financial burden it places on workers. Parents such as Nelisa Zokoza stress that proximity to basic services—healthcare, education, and other amenities—is crucial for their children’s future. “At least the CBD has enough service delivery for our future children,” she adds.
Activists are urging the city to prioritise the development of affordable housing near economic hubs, arguing that such measures would reduce household transportation costs and ease the strain on families. Without urgent solutions, residents warn that inequality will only deepen as Cape Town’s popularity continues to pressure the housing market.
As the city attracts more tourists and businesses, the need for affordable housing becomes increasingly pressing. Authorities face growing pressure to address the crisis and provide low‑income residents with viable options, ensuring that the benefits of Cape Town’s growth are shared by all.
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