Cape Town has long been a sought-after destination for travelers, but recently, it’s become a hotspot for a different kind of visitor—digital nomads.
These remote workers, often from wealthier nations, are flocking to the city, lured by its stunning landscapes, affordable living, and vibrant culture.
While local authorities have welcomed the economic boost, not everyone is happy about the influx.
Activists and residents argue that the wave of nomads is driving up living costs and making it harder for locals to afford housing in their own city.
A Flashpoint at Nomad Week
Tensions came to a head during a recent event called Nomad Week, organized by the city and Work Wanderers—a company offering luxury accommodation, co-working spaces, and curated experiences for remote workers.
Activist group Dismantling the Ivory Tower slammed the event, calling it a “celebration of displacement” and likening it to a modern form of colonization, enabled not by force but by booking apps.
The backlash highlights growing resentment towards foreign workers who benefit from Cape Town’s affordability while inadvertently contributing to economic strain for locals.
Social Media Outcry: The Cost of Popularity
It’s not just activist groups sounding the alarm.
South African influencer Naledi Mallela took to TikTok to vent her frustrations, urging digital nomads to stop coming to the country.
“Everything is getting expensive! Every second TikTok an American is here, someone is going on a safari, and now even Nando’s costs 600 Rand for a full chicken!” she exclaimed, echoing the concerns of many South Africans feeling the squeeze.
The Mayor’s Take: Balancing Growth and Fairness
Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, defended digital nomads, calling them “a blessing to our economy.” However, he acknowledged that the situation requires better regulation.
One of the major concerns is the rise of permanent Airbnb rentals, which operate like small hotels but aren’t taxed as such.
The city is now working on a plan to reclassify these properties under commercial tax brackets to create a more level playing field.
“There has to be an equal playing field,” Hill-Lewis stated, emphasizing the need for fair taxation to ensure that both locals and nomads can coexist sustainably.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Trend of Anti-Tourism Sentiment
Cape Town isn’t the only city grappling with this issue.
Around the world, digital nomads and tourists are facing increasing resistance from locals frustrated by soaring costs and overcrowding.
A report by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) found that the number of countries offering digital nomad visas has surged since 2020.
While these visas bring economic benefits, they also pose challenges—many destinations are now reassessing the long-term impact of these programs.
In Europe, anti-tourism protests have gained traction, particularly in Spain.
Activists have blocked off scenic spots, set fire to rental cars, and even threatened to shut down airports in response to what they see as an unsustainable influx of visitors.
What’s Next for Cape Town?
As the anti-tourism movement continues to grow worldwide, Cape Town faces a critical crossroads.
Will the city find a way to integrate digital nomads without pricing out locals?
Or will the resentment continue to mount, leading to more drastic measures?
With officials working on policy changes and activists amplifying their voices, one thing is certain: the debate over digital nomads in Cape Town is far from over.