Fellow ICA members -
I recently returned from a trip to Cape Town and I felt the need to remind my ICA colleagues that petty crime is prevalent in our 2026 host city. Unemployment and poverty (still largely stemming from apartheid) have shaped the frequency of criminal activity in Cape Town, and I recognize the systems that have led to the current situation (and my own privilege in writing this). I also acknowledge the work of the ICA headquarters team and the local host committee, and I appreciate the posts they have provided about safety in Cape Town. However, many of those posts suggest that petty crime in Cape Town is similar to other urban areas--that was not my experience (though I am an N = 1).
Though Cape Town is a beautiful city with incredible landscapes, friendly people, and amazing cultural experiences, our attendees need to be vigilant about safety in Cape Town more so than other major urban areas. A few examples from my recent experience:
- Hotel concierges strongly suggested that we do not walk at night, even if we were only going a few blocks, and even if we were with others. Walking at night was highly discouraged no matter the context due to petty crime.
- Multiple ride share drivers noted that they prefer to roll through stoplights and stop signs rather than stop, because a full stop allows pedestrians to break windows or open car doors in order to steal phones and purses from passengers. We were consistently reminded not to be on our phones when in ride share vehicles, and we witnessed someone try to open doors of a stopped ride share.
- Locals told us multiple times to put our phones away when standing on a side street. They noted that you should not have your phone out in the open on the street, but if you do, make sure you do so directly in front of a restaurant, bar or other establishment. Do not hold your phone in your hands on a side street or quieter part of a major street.
- In reference to the above, I was traveling with college students. Over 10% had their phones stolen from them, many directly out of their hands while walking or sitting.
- One of our students was approached by a person with a knife while hiking Table Mountain. This is apparently common.
Though the ICA team always makes (good) safety recommendations, it is worth noting that attendees in Cape Town should not take safety precautions lightly, but should be very vigilant. I am so pleased that ICA will be supporting tourism in Cape Town and I truly loved my time there. I also look forward to the conference. But please--be intentional and aware of the safety concerns in Cape Town.
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Bradley Bond
Professor
U of San Diego
San Diego CA
United States
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