Priced out of their own neighbourhood: Bo-Kaap residents share fears

Bongani Bingwa is joined by EWN Reporter, Ntuthuzelo Nene.

According to a recent survey, it's the province with the highest citizen satisfaction levels when it comes to the running of municipalities.

But delve a little deeper and not everything is coming up roses for the Western Cape.

EWN reporter Ntuthuzelo Nene is the latest correspondent to take to the streets of one of the country's nine provinces, to meet members of the electorate tasked with voting in the national elections later this month.

From Langa to  Langebaan, Nene met with locals to find out how they're feeling ahead of the polls.

One of his stops was the the Bo-Kaap, where residents are far from happy.

"We sat down with the Bo-Kaap Ratepayers Association chair, who explained to us that some in the area feel that erection of new buildings in the area is going to change the face of what the community looks like."

Ntuthuzelo Nene, EWN reporter

The picture-postcard Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town's main tourist sites, and is steeped in history and culture, but locals have voiced their concerns over the gentrification of the area and what it will mean for residents, many of whom have lived in the area for generations.

One concern is the impact that gentrification is having on municipal rates and property prices.

Residents of the largely low-income population fear being priced out of their own homes.

"The people that cannot afford to pay the rates will be forced out, because their homes will be priced at a high price."

Ntuthuzelo Nene, EWN reporter

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