Tourism Boom Pushes Workers Into Illegal Homes

A surge in tourism and short-term rentals is forcing low-income residents out of central Cape Town. Many are being pushed into illegal and unsafe housing. Property prices and rents in the city's central business district have soared. Experts link this to the rapid growth of rental platforms like Airbnb. This makes it difficult for workers to afford living near their jobs. The result is a growing crisis. Service workers, who are essential to the city's economy, can no longer live close to their workplaces. Many are moving into informal settlements or unauthorized buildings. These often lack basic services and safety regulations. The situation highlights a global conflict in popular tourist cities. The economic benefits of tourism are creating a severe housing shortage for local residents.