Bo-Kaap residents call for urgent Airbnb regulations

THE Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association (BKCRA) is demanding urgent regulation of Airbnb in historic Bo-Kaap.

- FOUZIA VAN DER FORT

They say unchecked commercialisation threatens the community's residential stability, cultural heritage, and identity.

Last week, they distributed a statement to residents in community forum groups and raised it with ward 77 councillor, Francine Higham, during a monthly meeting.

Association chairperson Sheikh Dawood Terblanche said that over the months, several discussions were held about all issues in Bo-Kaap, including how tourism was currently impacting the community.

There are more than 50 properties in Bo-kaap on the Airbnb platform, depending on the type of accommodation.

“The distinctive, close-knit, inter-generational community life is under severe threat from gentrification and tourism pressure,” the statement read.

The association said that the residential area has shifted to being a commercial or tourism focus.