Sophie Gamborg Interview with Alderman James Vos: Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town
Sophie Gamborg Global Property | Interview With Alderman James Vos
Article Summary:
Interview with James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town
At Sophie Gamborg Global Property (SGGP), we’ve seen a significant surge in international interest in Cape Town. Many buyers are no longer just looking for a holiday home — they’re seeking a lifestyle shift, a long-term investment, or a hedge against global uncertainty.
To better understand the factors driving this trend, I sat down with James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. He is doing incredible work to position Cape Town as a leading global destination to live, work, play, study, invest, and visit.
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A City Designed for the Future
“One of my core beliefs,” says Vos, “is that a place must be a great place to live in order to be a great place to visit or invest in.”
His department’s strategy is structured around six pillars:
Visit, live, work, play, study, and invest.
This integrated approach shapes all destination marketing and long-term planning, ensuring Cape Town is not only future-fit but future-focused.
Five years ago, Cape Town had direct flights to just 15 international destinations. Today, that number has more than doubled to 31 — a result of strong public-private partnerships. “No government can do this alone,” Vos stresses.
“We need the private sector, civil society, and business on board.”
Currently, Cape Town lands 226 international flights weekly — the highest number ever. New routes include direct flights to New York, Washington, Atlanta, and even a new South-South trade corridor to South America, alongside robust connectivity across Africa.
“We are proudly African,” he says.
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Interview with Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town
28 June 2025 | Sophie Gamborg Global PropertyWhy Invest in Cape Town?
Vos has used his time in office to champion ten core areas that make Cape Town a compelling investment destination:
Ease of Doing Business: Cape Town is the only African city developing an Ease of Doing Business Index, aiming to make Africa the easiest place to invest and operate in.
People and Talent: The city is home to incredibly skilled individuals across diverse sectors — from tech to manufacturing and creative industries.
Products and Innovation:
One catamaran is built every day in the Cape Town harbour and exported globally.
The city is a global hub for aerospace components, contributing 20% of parts to spacecraft.
It is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech firms, producing vaccines, vitamins, and high-grade medical products.
Call Centres and BPO: Cape Town is recognised globally as one of the best destinations for call centre outsourcing. In 2023 alone, over 10,000 new jobs were created in this sector. Clients from the US, UK, and Europe interact with trained Capetonians who offer exceptional problem-solving and service.
Skills Development: The city funds training across 10 high-growth sectors — including clothing, textiles, and maritime industries — through special-purpose vehicles that also attract private investment.
Infrastructure Investment: R100 billion is being invested over the next decade to improve infrastructure:
Water: From desalination plants and underground water purification to new reticulation systems, Cape Town is securing its water future.
Energy: The city is building solar PV plants, facilitating residential and commercial solar adoption, and enabling power to be sold back to the grid — ensuring energy diversification and grid stability.
Urban Mobility: Cape Town continues to upgrade its road networks while investing in integrated, comfortable, safe, and affordable public transport to reduce car dependency.
Safety and Security: Over 1,000 new law enforcement officers are being deployed permanently across all wards, supported by state-of-the-art crime technology and CCTV.
Land Release and Development: The city is releasing land for mixed-use development — commercial, residential, retail, and hospitality — to meet housing demands and stimulate job creation.
Public-Private Partnerships: “We’re doing the right thing for the right reasons,” says Vos. “That’s how we build public trust and investor confidence.”
Sustainability and Conservation at the V&A Waterfront
Vos praises the V&A Waterfront’s expansion plans, which include new retail, residential, and conservation projects. “They get it right — they care about people and the planet,” he says.
The Two Oceans Aquarium, located at the Waterfront, is a prime example. Their marine conservation work — including a sea turtle rescue programme and penguin hospital — showcases Cape Town’s strong environmental focus.
Urban Renewal and Digital Nomads
Inner-city areas such as Woodstock, Salt River, and the CBD are being revitalised. Old buildings are being repurposed into mixed-use spaces, including centres of excellence and residential hubs.
Cape Town is also embracing a new global demographic: digital nomads. A new visa allows remote workers to live and work in Cape Town while enjoying its lifestyle and hospitality. Uptake has been steady, and a new trusted tour operator scheme is being rolled out to streamline visa processing for group bookings, conferences, and the film industry.
Cape Town is building for tomorrow, investing in the basics today. With clear vision, committed leadership, and strong partnerships, it’s little wonder the world is turning its eyes — and investments — towards the Mother City.
1. Cape Town continues to attract international property buyers—what do you think makes it such an appealing place to invest in real estate?
Cape Town offers a truly unique value proposition: a globally competitive lifestyle, strong infrastructure, and a diversified economy—all at a relatively affordable cost compared to many other world-class cities. Whether you’re after mountain views, beachfront homes, or dynamic urban living, Cape Town offers it all. Add to that our open market system, reliable legal framework, and growing connectivity through international flights—Cape Town becomes a smart and emotionally rewarding choice for investors.
2. Are there any new property or infrastructure developments that you believe will have a big impact on the city’s desirability over the next few years?
Absolutely. We’re focused on catalytic infrastructure projects that unlock economic and residential opportunities. These include the redevelopment of key precincts such as the Foreshore Freeway corridor and the Belville CBD, as well as major investment into mixed-use developments and logistics hubs. We’re also releasing well-located public land to the market to enable more housing and commercial activity. This is all underpinned by a clear, pro-growth planning regime and sustained investment in utilities and public transport networks.
3. Cape Town is often described as a world-class destination—what do you think sets it apart from other global cities when it comes to lifestyle and holidays?
Few cities combine natural beauty, rich culture, and modern amenities the way Cape Town does. Whether it’s a day hiking Table Mountain, dining at world-renowned restaurants, enjoying our award-winning wine regions, or simply experiencing our diverse communities—Cape Town is a city that offers depth and variety. And beyond the postcard moments, we have a vibrant creative scene, a growing food economy, and a strong sense of place. That emotional connection keeps people coming back—and often choosing to stay.
4. Cape Town has a growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation—how do you see this affecting the property market?
This growth in innovation and entrepreneurship is fuelling demand for a wider range of property types—everything from co-working and flexible office spaces to lifestyle-oriented residential developments. Our tech and business process outsourcing sectors are booming, drawing young professionals and remote workers from around the world. This is transforming our urban nodes, revitalising areas like Woodstock, Salt River, and the CBD. A thriving business ecosystem naturally attracts people—and where people want to be, property value follows.
5. What is the city doing to encourage foreign direct investment, especially in the lifestyle and hospitality sectors?
Our Economic Growth Directorate offers dedicated investment facilitation through Invest Cape Town and the Business Hub. We make it easy for investors to connect with the right partners, navigate local regulations, and fast-track opportunities. We’ve also just launched a 5-point action plan that includes Open Skies (more international flights), streamlined visas, and high-impact precinct development—all of which are critical to growing the lifestyle and hospitality sectors. For example, every 12 international arrivals creates one local job—so we take growth in this space seriously.
6. What would you say to someone who loves Cape Town on holiday but is hesitant about making a long-term move?
I’d say: take the leap. Cape Town isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s a phenomenal place to live and do business. We’re consistently ranked for our quality of life, digital nomad appeal, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re raising a family, building a business, or entering your next chapter, Cape Town has the support systems, communities, and energy to make it worthwhile. And you won’t find a better office view anywhere in the world.
7. If you were hosting someone in Cape Town for the first time, where would you take them?
I’d start with a panoramic view from Signal Hill or Table Mountain, followed by a walk through Bo-Kaap or the V&A Waterfront for a taste of our heritage and urban vibrancy. Then I’d take them on a drive down the peninsula—Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Simon’s Town—with a seafood stop along the way. And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the Winelands. It’s a day that combines Cape Town’s best: scenery, cuisine, and soul.
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Alderman James Vos's insights clearly illustrate why Cape Town is more than just a beautiful holiday destination; it's a strategic choice for long-term real estate investment and lifestyle shifts.
His interview highlights a city that is Future-focused and built on a foundation of proactive economic and infrastructural development.
From a foreign investor's perspective, the interview's key takeaways are compelling:
Strong Economic and Infrastructure Investment: With R100 billion being invested over the next decade in areas like energy, water, and urban mobility, the city is creating a stable and attractive environment for sustained growth.
A Pro-Growth Mindset: Cape Town is actively working to make it easier to do business and invest, through initiatives like the Ease of Doing Business Index and dedicated investment facilitation services.
A Hub for Innovation and Talent: The city's booming tech, BPO, and creative sectors are attracting a new demographic of professionals and digital nomads, which in turn fuels diverse property demand and revitalizes urban areas.
Globally Connected and Accessible: The number of international flights has more than doubled in five years, creating critical connectivity that benefits business, tourism, and real estate values.
The City of Cape Town’s vision provides a strong foundation, but navigating this dynamic market requires an expert partner.
As Alderman Vos himself noted, "Where people want to be, property value follows".
Whether you are a digital nomad, a family seeking a lifestyle change, or an investor looking for a smart and emotionally rewarding choice, Sophie Gamborg Global Property provides the dedicated guidance you need.
By working with Sophie as your buyer’s agent, you gain a partner who understands these market drivers and can help you secure the ideal property to match your vision for living, working, and investing in the Mother City.
Ready to explore the opportunities in Cape Town?
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