Invisible No More
I’m at my desk, scrolling through Twitter, when I see a video announcing Rick Ross’s arrival in Cape Town. The tweet is quoted by a South African streamer who eloquently reminds his viewers that “they” have found us.
They being wealthy westerners.
In December 2024, I visited home—Cape Town—for the first time since moving to Dublin in 2022. It was everything I needed it to be. Living abroad, you don’t realize how much you miss the subtle magic of being surrounded by people who not only look like you but instantly understand you. Conversations flow easier. Humor lands without explanation. Even the small talk while ordering coffee feels warmer.
Outside your home, it’s like a part of you is on pause. You’re not fully you. The vibe is different.
Being back in Cape Town felt secure and familiar. I knew how things worked, how people behaved, and what to expect. Driving through the streets, I recognized most routes, even as I discovered new places. That sense of belonging never leaves you. And yet, this time, I noticed something I couldn’t ignore—there were more Westerners than ever before.
I always tell anyone who’ll listen that Cape Town is the greatest city in the world. It’s no wonder people visit and fall in love with it too. The issue? Their realizations often come at a cost to locals.
The Nomadic Conundrum
Are you a nomad or are you homeless? Let that sink in.
I don’t have a problem with digital nomads—let me get that out of the way. I’m an immigrant in a foreign country myself, working on a visa. I think the concept is cool: live in a new place for a while, experience the culture, then move on.
The conundrum arises when digital nomads make their stay permanent, particularly when their income significantly outpaces that of locals.
If you’re earning in pounds, dollars, or euros and decide to spend a few months in a foreign country, splurge a little, and contribute to the local economy—fantastic. But problems emerge when you stay, pay exorbitant rent because it feels affordable to you, and unintentionally displace locals.
Some might call this a new form of invasion.
Seven years ago, Lauren Ravazi explored this in her article, questioning whether digital nomadism is the future of work or a new form of colonialism.
Her piece highlights the heart of the issue: while falling in love with a place and wanting to stay is understandable, it raises an uncomfortable question—are you contributing to the community or primarily serving yourself?
"While sometimes these services are provided by entrepreneurial locals," says Drozdzynksi, "many are run by the same nomads who trail-blazed that location years earlier. While it might be good to think that these people contribute to the economy or the community at large, a lot of the time they’re serving themselves."
This is one of the major controversies of digital nomadism – namely, the potentially neocolonialist overtones of enjoying the fruits of a cheap, 'exotic' setting while creating an almost parallel economy and social circle.
This is the controversy at the core of digital nomadism: enjoying the benefits of an affordable, “exotic” location while creating a parallel economy and social bubble.
A Balancing Act
Living in an affordable, vibrant place far from home can inspire new lifestyles and perspectives. But it comes with pitfalls when those contributions lead to negative externalities.
Of course, the positives shouldn’t be overlooked. Digital nomads can boost GDP through increased spending. Their presence can create opportunities for local businesses, drive innovation, and bring diversity.
Yet, rents are at an all-time high. Locals are struggling to buy homes in their own cities. The tension is undeniable.
Envir Duminy, CEO at Cape Town Tourism, has also acknowledged this “Nomadic Conundrum” and suggested potential solutions, such as a digital nomad levy or forming an advisory board with local and nomad representatives to balance integration with community goals.
Thankfully, we’re not at a tipping point—yet. But whether the positives outweigh the negatives often depends on who you ask.
Finding the Balance
I’m not blaming digital nomads for the challenges locals face. Responsibility lies with governments. Without effective economic policies to protect local citizens when introducing “Nomad Visas” or similar programs, these issues are inevitable.
At lest some nomads are beginning to question whether their choices are ethical. And that’s a start.
-Brandon