“We feel like strangers in our own city.”
This sentiment resonates with many Cape Town residents who are increasingly struggling to enjoy the tourism and hospitality that their city offers.
This frustration was highlighted by two friends, Dane Prinsloo and Isabella Raad, who took to TikTok to share their experience of trying to book a dinner table at one of the city’s popular local eateries.
In their video, Prinsloo and Raad were dressed up and ready to “paint the town red”.
They recounted their attempts to secure a reservation at several restaurants.
“Guys, what the flip? This place is telling us that they’re fully booked, but every single flipping table in there is empty,” they exclaimed while standing outside one establishment.
The duo revealed that they called another restaurant that had offered a 9pm booking, but when they called back to confirm, that slot was already taken.
“This is our country! What is going on? We literally just want to eat! We have money to spend. Yeah, like, don’t you want to take our money?” they expressed, grappling with unmistakable disappointment.
Thinking quickly, Raad decided to call another restaurant, this time adopting an American accent.
@ms.prinsloo Oh how easy life would have been if we were American #capetown @Isabella ♬ original sound – Danè
Guess what?
They secured a table. “Oh, how easy life would have been if we were American,” Prinsloo remarked in the caption of their video.
The video, titled ‘The foreigners have taken over Cape Town’, was created in jest but quickly gained traction online, sparking a broader conversation about how local citizens feel increasingly isolated as the city pursues its tourism ambitions.
The video amassed over 500,000 views, prompting netizens to share their thoughts.
One commenter, @luyanda37, stated: “Black South Africans have been going through this in Cape Town, welcome to the club… I’ve experienced the ‘fully booked’ issue long before tourists became a thing.”
Another user, @nadinexsamantha, added: “Places have been turning down locals all over Cape Town 👀 and they think we won’t remember once the season ends.”
Concerns were also raised by @leahjemileukes, who expressed: “Honestly, I don’t know if the situation will ever get better. Here in the West Coast, there are foreigners creating whole towns for themselves and driving property prices up to the point where locals won’t be able to purchase in the next 10 years.
“Cape Town is extreme, though. It seems like most high-end businesses only exist for tourists now and don’t cater to locals. I feel like it’s a classist issue because with the exchange rate, they are much better off than locals, making them the only target market for some businesses.”
Echoing this sentiment, @natalli.da.silva remarked: “I agree 100%. We feel like strangers in our own city. No parking, all places fully booked, bumper-to-bumper traffic.”
While @ipehst noted: “The worst thing is when there’s space, and you’re seated, but the waiters don’t pay attention to you and rush to serve the foreigners (worse if you’re a person of colour).”
Another user, @mercymurc, shared: “Cape Town seriously makes you feel like you don’t belong. You can literally feel the waitresses’ disappointed looks when you walk in.”
Cape Town is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, beautiful beaches such as Boulders Beach (home to penguins), and lush gardens.
The city boasts a rich cultural scene, world-class food and wine, diverse neighbourhoods, and historical sites like Robben Island, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Its cosmopolitan vibe, vibrant nightlife, and affordability compared to many Western cities also attract global visitors.
According to Cape Town Air Access, Cape Town International Airport recorded a record-breaking 11.1 million two-way passengers (domestic and international) in 2025.
In December 2025 specifically, the airport surpassed its 2024 record, with 364,000 two-way international passengers, an increase of 10% year-on-year.
Domestic two-way passengers increased by 7%, reaching 754,000 that month.
Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and Official Spokesperson of Cape Town Air Access, stated: “The Western Cape is on a mission to double tourism by 2035, as part of the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs Strategy.
“These record-breaking figures demonstrate that we are firmly on the road towards achieving this objective. When you grow tourism, you stimulate growth, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs in communities across the province.”
However, being a popular destination comes with its challenges.
The influx of tourists and digital nomads into Cape Town is driving up accommodation and rental prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find homes.
Small businesses also struggle to secure affordable premises.
Additionally, public infrastructure in various parts of Cape Town is under added pressure due to tourism, with traffic congestion becoming a common aspect of city life.
