- By Danae Nesta Kupemba
- BBC News
image source, Getty Images
Cape Town’s Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the city
Digital nomads – the new generation of remote workers who use laptops – are at the sharp end of a debate in the South African city of Cape Town over whether or not they are good for more permanent residents.
Proponents see international inflow as an economic boon and something to be encouraged, but their critics are not so kind.
For 25-year-old South African social media content creator Az’emahle Dyubeni, the city is facing a “digital nomad epidemic” that is driving up housing costs and other expenses.
Ms Dyubeni has lived in the beautiful coastal town all her life and says since Covid-19 the number of remote workers, mainly from the West, has increased significantly. Although there is no official evidence, she is not the only one noticing a change.
“When I walk into a cafe I hear German, French, Dutch and American accents,” he tells the BBC, giving a vivid picture of the international flavor of Cape Town’s new workforce.
If all you need is a decent internet connection, then why not settle in one of the world’s most picturesque cities?
With Table Mountain as a backdrop, ocean views and perfect summer weather, the appeal is obvious compared to a plain, gray office cubicle.
In a TikTok video, self-described digital entrepreneur Marley Rose Harris calls the city “the most magical place in the world.”
Currently, many of these visitors, who do things like copywriting or creating digital content, are allowed to live in the country and work for a foreign company for up to 90 days, though the length of time varies by nationality .
“Cape Town is an ideal destination for digital nomads who want to combine aspects of tourism and work in their daily activities,” says Alderman James Voss, who sits on the city’s economic development committee.
He adds that research shows these working visitors bring in a lot of money they need during their stay – around $2,700 (£2,139) each.
The national government has also taken notice.
In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a proposal for a telework visa that would be available to “so-called digital nomads, who can work from almost any location in the world” and are employed by foreign organizations.
However, the details have not been clarified.
Amelie Satzger, a 29-year-old photographer from Germany, has spent two stints as a digital nomad in Cape Town over the past two years and welcomes the idea of a special visa.
Her German passport allows her to stay and work in South Africa for up to three months, but her Polish boyfriend’s passport only allows him to be in the country and work for 30 days.
He hopes the proposed visa will help more people who want to work in Cape Town for longer terms.
Ms Satzger says the warm weather, community and low cost of living, compared to Germany, are the reasons she wanted to return. He says that earning euros makes it easier to access the city.
Despite rising prices in South Africa, paying in foreign currency can often mean money goes further.
“Cape Town is a big city, but it’s also quite homely. It’s not too crazy,” he says.
Cape Town offers many attractions that allow digital nomads to combine work and leisure
Ms Satzger joins various WhatsApp groups with other digital nomads who free dive, hike and surf together in their spare time.
She has also made many South African friends that she met through her meditation group.
“[When] I come back, you have people who are excited to see you,” he says.
However, many Capetonians don’t feel that way, considering the volume of complaints on social media, including videos on TikTok and comments on X.
Ms Dyubeni says she is being priced out of the city where she has spent her entire life. She fears that she will never be able to afford to leave her parents and live on her own as she always hoped.
There are many people chasing very few properties in Cape Town and rental costs are the highest in the country. The average rent is about $540 a month and prices rose just under 4% between 2022 and 2023, according to South African property website PayProp.
“These digital nomads are making Cape Town unlivable,” he sighs.
Grant Smee, a Cape Town-based rental agent, tells the BBC there has been a “significant rise in foreigners looking for three to six month rentals”, suggesting an increase in remote workers.
This is a growing concern for locals as their prices are being squeezed out of the housing market, he says.
Mr Smee says foreigners have more power than locals because they can offer landlords a higher rent than the asking price or pay for a few months in advance – something many South Africans cannot afford to do.
Ms Satzger says she understands the frustration felt by many locals as she has noticed housing in the city becoming increasingly scarce.
Rental expert Mr Smee says if the proposed digital nomad visa is introduced it could worsen the housing situation.
The city government is committed to protecting local communities.
“This means cultivating a destination that not only captivates visitors but also enriches the lives of those who live and work here.
“Part of that is ensuring an affordable, accessible destination that preserves, celebrates and empowers the communities and cultures that make it unique,” says local politician Mr Vos.
But Mr Smee believes the council should go a step further and implement rent control, although he can see most landlords would be against it.
He acknowledges that limiting rents “is an extreme solution [but] it is becoming increasingly clear that further regulation is required to protect the interests of local people.”
Ms Dyubeni also points to what she sees as a double standard in the idea of creating a special digital nomad visa for visitors mainly from Europe and North America.
Immigrants from the rest of the African continent are sometimes viewed with suspicion and immigration levels have become a major issue ahead of next month’s general election.
“It begs the question, who is more important – the Africans or the Europeans?” Mrs. Dyubeni asks.
But while the grumbling of many locals continues, there are few signs that the local rules will change and the beauty of the place also known as the Mother City will continue to attract digital nomads to its shores.