Bo-Kaap residents mixed about high number of tourists expected to visit neighbourhood

CAPE TOWN - Bo-Kaap residents in Cape Town said they have mixed feelings about the high number of tourists expected to visit their neighbourhood as the city goes ahead with plans to boost activity in the area.

The City of Cape Town is set to launch a market in the area to bring economic growth and create a space for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

The market will be launching at the end of September on the corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive.

The city will launch the Bo-Kaap market aimed at showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage.

It said priority will be given to small-scale businesses when choosing traders.

The vice chairman for the Bo-Kaap Rate Payers’ Association, Ebrahim Christian, said residents are excited for the market but are concerned on tourists' behaviour.

“Some residents feel that at times the tourists are a nuisance, and they disrespect the privacy of our people by getting onto the properties to take photos.”

The city’s director economic development and investment, Lance Greyling, said the market will also bring new customers to already existing businesses in the area.

“There isn't plans to have huge amounts of music or anything like that. It's a very serene place. It's a very nice place, like I said, under the trees. So, I don't think it will really disrupt residents that much, in terms of actual operations of the market.”

Despite some optimism, Bo-Kaap residents remain concerned over tourists causing traffic congestion in the area.

The city, however, said parking space will be available to ease traffic flow.