A US digital nomad living and working in Cape Town has reacted to the backlash of disgruntled residents over concerns of gentrification in the city.
In recent years, locals have spoken of being unable to afford necessities like housing and food due to the influx of overseas visitors, whose presence directly affects living expenses.
One woman recently revealed that she had been forced to move out of her apartment after her landlord planned to convert the property into an Airbnb.
DIGITAL NOMAD REACTS TO DISGRUNTLED CAPE TOWN RESIDENTS
On TikTok, Alysa Smith, a US digital nomad, received backlash from South Africans after joking about overstaying her visa.
The American lives and works in Cape Town, regularly flying back and forth.
Alysa claimed that she loved the Mother City, and bragged about “pouring into the economy”.
The woman responded to concerns from residents, who claimed that overseas visitors had driven up living costs for local residents.
She asked: “Is it a tourist problem, or a government problem? Because tourists can only do what the government allows”.
Alysa later added that she had married a “foreigner” and is currently awaiting a visa approval for him to move to the US.
This had opened her eyes to being more empathetic to locals and her realisation that “my lifestyle could be hurting other people.
She said, “I am not trying to be ignorant or offensive. Obviously, that is not my intention. Now that it’s been brought to my attention, how can I be more mindful? What is it that needs to be done to help local people be able to afford their own homes?”
She continued, “Please don’t think that I’m this dumb American. I heard that people have American fatigue and can’t wait for us to leave. While I’m here, what are the ways that we can be more mindful of the local residents? How can we be more of a benefit?
In the comments section, the US woman liked comments from Cape Town locals suggesting a skills transfer programme.
@alysasmith7 Don’t murder me it’s a real question y’all! Trying to be more mindful in 2026 #TikTokCreatorSearchInsightsIncentive #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #capetown #fyp #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Alysa Molelo
WHAT IS GENTRIFICATION?
Gentrification is the process by which a group of wealthy people, in Cape Town’s case, overseas visitors like digital nomads and tourists, move into a neighbourhood, changing the social, cultural, and financial dynamics of the area.
There are positive outcomes, such as the development of infrastructure and businesses, the renovation of buildings, and increased property values and tourism interest.
However, the process can be marred by long-term effects, including the displacement of local residents, increased living expenses, and cultural erosion.
These repercussions create conflict between residents and visitors.
The city of Cape Town has responded to concerns with plans to develop affordable inner-city housing and protect cultural and heritage sites
