The Post-landing 'Shock'

If you have never visited Cape Town before, you will more than likely have to drive to your holiday accommodation - especially if the kids have gone ahead in the chopper... Driving out of the airport entails driving through an informal settlement. It can be quite unnerving for some, especially if you've never seen anything like it before. There are guided tours to these settlements that can be arranged by your hotel or tour company. There is a very real possibility you could be hijacked if you attempt to venture into one by yourself but there again, you can as easily be hijacked or mugged in New York or London, so its wise to exercise caution wherever you are.

Slums and townships throughout Africa are actually vibrant communities and in many ways are better neighbourhoods than the sterile housing communities that the middle and upper income groups increasingly migrate to. There is a sense of belonging, community and pride despite the physical limitiations of the area.

Cape Town is a real city of contrasts. The visually appalling against the backdrop of the intensely beautiful. The destitute poor living next to the insanely wealthy. We are taking steps to address this in the ways our current government sees fit and they must be applauded for everything they have done so far - but where people are concerned, there is always work to do. Be supportive and not critical - its a huge and daunting task.

Welcome to the Cape of Good Hope!

updated 2006-01-24