Bo-Kaap residents protest against over-tourism: 'Nobody wins at the end of the day' – Civic & Ratepayers Association
On 20 November, residents gathered outside the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum to protest the unrestricted access of tour buses into their neighbourhood.
John Maytham interviews Osman Shaboodien, Chairperson of Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association.
Listen below.
Residents of the historic Bo-Kaap suburb in Cape Town have expressed their frustration over the overwhelming number of tour buses that flood the area daily, highlighting a significant lack of regulatory measures to address the issue of "over-tourism."
On 20 November, residents gathered outside the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum to protest the unrestricted access of tour buses into their neighbourhood.
In response to these concerns, the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association has submitted a proposal to the City of Cape Town, suggesting designated parking zones for tour buses located outside of Bo-Kaap, specifically on Buitengracht Street and Riebeeck Square.
Shaboodien notes that the primary challenge facing Bo-Kaap is the absence of a comprehensive tourist management plan, a request the community has made for several years.
He points out that the historical nature of the area, with its narrow roads, is ill-suited for large buses.
The influx of tour buses has led to significant congestion and disruption for residents, with reports of up to 65 buses entering the neighbourhood each day.
"The challenge then comes where it upsets the residents and nobody wins at the end of the day."
- Osman Shaboodien, Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association Chairperson
Shaboodien emphasises that the residents are not opposed to tourism; many individuals in the area rely on it for their livelihoods.
However, he believes that implementing a tourism management plan would help residents feel included in the process rather than as if they are living in a zoo, constantly on display for visitors.
He stresses that the key to achieving this goal is for the City of Cape Town to support the management plan, which is essential for addressing the traffic issues stemming from excessive tourism.
If the City agrees to this plan, the next steps would involve developing a traffic management strategy and a comprehensive tourism plan to regulate the number of visitors allowed in Bo-Kaap on any given day.
"We're not saying they mustn't come in, but it needs to be phased in rather than everybody coming in without any notice."
- Osman Shaboodien, Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association Chairperson
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.