The best city in the world and all its problems - By Carla Bisschoff

Written By: carla bisschoff

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her insightful essay titled "The best city in the world and all its problems," Carla Bisschoff delves into the complexities of Cape Town's recent accolade as the best city in the world according to a tourism magazine. This piece, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, explores the multifaceted narrative surrounding Cape Town's beauty and socio-economic challenges. Through personal observations and a nuanced perspective, Bisschoff invites readers to contemplate the dual realities inherent in such recognitions.

About the Work

Carla Bisschoff's essay offers a thought-provoking exploration of Cape Town's dichotomy as a celebrated tourist destination and a city grappling with significant social issues. Her analysis is grounded in contrasting public perceptions and the differing criteria used by publications in bestowing such titles. With a balanced tone, Bisschoff emphasizes the importance of understanding both the allure and the underlying societal challenges, inviting readers to appreciate the city's vibrant culture while acknowledging its complexities.

The best city in the world and all its problems

Original Submission by carla bisschoff

(This is an opinion piece based on observations and personal experiences.)

Cape Town has recently been named the best city in the world by a Tourism magazine, and there is a bit of a buzz in Mzansi about it.

Some understand it is a Tourism magazine title that focuses on why people go there. It is an all-encompassing survey from both residents and tourists, and those who look at it from a socio-economic point of view feel that the problems are overlooked or swept under the rug. Both sides have their merits, and I understand that this title has a bittersweet element for many.

The fact that the two publications have similar names might also play a role in the divide, as without further research one could easily assume they are sister publications.

This piece was sparked by a post I read on LinkedIn that asked how Cape Town can be the best city when, according to Time Magazine, South Africa is the most unequal country.

Highlighting the cost of living, crime rates, etc. and how calling Cape Town affordable is purely focused on a European view. It’s conveyed that it doesn’t believe Cape Town deserved the title (yes, it was a fellow Saffa who wrote it, not someone looking in); the writer is entitled to their thoughts on the matter. I wrote this because of the sheer number of comments underneath the post that made me think the commenters believe the two publications used the same metrics when they have different functions and data-gathering methods.

It is like arguing that McDonald's is unhealthy if they are hypothetically voted South Africa’s most popular fast-food restaurant; both things are true at the same time, and one does not negate the other. Yes, it is unhealthy, but if the surveys and sales numbers show they sold the most, then they are the most popular.

Time Magazine is analysing data on social, economic, and political levels using international metrics and international standards of what equality, development and progress are and stacking the countries accordingly. While there might be surveys for the general public involved, there are other factors considered. It is a Publication based on science, data, and Facts. (the part that says McDonald's is unhealthy based on scientific studies)

On the other hand, Time Out is going around asking people whether they like the clubs in Joburg better than the ones in Cape Town, which city has the best restaurants, and if you win an R20 000 gift card, are you vacationing in Durban or Cape Town, or on a scale of 1 – 10 how would you rate the vibes of Cape Town and comparing the answers. They do not pull crime reports or housing statistics; it is not what they are about. (the stats that show it is the most popular fast-food outlet based on sales surveys)

A lot of the comments and posts I have seen have said the title means that everyone will think Cape Town is without its problems. Now, as an ex-travel agent who has had to explain countless times that as long as you don’t go out of your way to find trouble, you can have a decent holiday in South Africa, I can confidently say the international market is aware of the Time Magazine title too. As a matter of fact, our problems are so well known that our neighbours, Botswana and Namibia, get thrown under the bus as places to avoid because they confuse South Africa with Southern Africa.

They know Cape Town (South Africa as a whole) has high inequality, high crime rates and large parts of the world currently are experiencing an extreme cost of living crisis; no one is denying or hiding it. And yes, Cape Town is extremely high priced if you are not paying in a 1st world currency, but at an exchange rate of R10 or higher depending on the currency, it unfortunately does mean South Africa as a whole is affordable for those that do pay in 1st world currencies.

But if we use Time Magazine's metrics to determine if a city deserves recognition for what it does well based on what is wrong with it, then we will have a very dark world because no city is 100% equal and all of them have a dark underbelly; it’s the way of the world, unfortunately.

In the end, tourists thrive on the vibes of a city and its people, which is why Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai and Nairobi are still cities people visit despite all the negative and less-than-nice things that happen there as well. If you ask a Capetonian why they live there, they will present you with a book as thick as the constitution on why not only Cape Town but the whole Western Cape is the place to be, regardless of all the things they complain about.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar offers writers a prestigious platform to showcase their literary talents. The competition celebrates diverse voices and encourages participants to engage with themes of global significance. Through essays, poetry, and creative writing, contributors have the opportunity to express their unique perspectives and contribute to a broader dialogue within the international literary community.

We extend our gratitude to Carla Bisschoff for her compelling essay, "The best city in the world and all its problems," featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her thoughtful examination of Cape Town's status as both a world-renowned city and one with profound challenges enriches the ongoing conversation about urban life and global perceptions. Thank you, Carla, for your valuable contribution.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.