Stark neighbourhood divides in Cape Town raise uncomfortable questions

Abstract

Cape Town's entrenched spatial divisions reflect its apartheid history and raise uncomfortable questions. Rising poverty-driven crime and people's dissatisfaction with public services are huge problems in many neighbourhoods. They ultimately threaten the tranquillity of well-off enclaves, demanding stronger altruism, solidarity and resource prioritisation for marginalised communities. This is according to a recent report by Ivan Turok, Justin Visagie and Andreas Scheba. Based on findings from a household survey, it highlights stark contrasts between five types of neighbourhoods in the city.