Ct Mayor's Bold Invite After Elon Musk's Cape Town Comment

Elon Musk's recent remarks about safety in South Africa have sparked a response from Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis , who stepped in to challenge the billionaire's perspective, Cape town Etc reports.

The conversation began when an X user, SeibtNaomi, asked Musk for advice about a young woman planning a trip to South Africa. She inquired whether he would discourage the visit entirely or offer specific safety recommendations.

Musk replied with a mixed assessment, describing Cape Town as a 'beautiful theme park' where tourists are generally safe, but cautioning that other areas of the country could be extremely dangerous for solo female travellers without a firearm. He advised visitors to follow the guidance of trusted locals and avoid wandering alone.

Hill-Lewis quickly joined the discussion, countering Musk's description with a broader view of Cape Town's appeal. He acknowledged the city's stunning landscape but emphasised its vibrant community, innovation, and welcoming atmosphere. The mayor extended an open invitation, offering to personally show Musk around the city on his next visit.

In addition to defending Cape Town's reputation, Hill-Lewis pointed to efforts aimed at making the city safer, including increased metro policing, economic development initiatives, and measures to protect property rights. He stressed that Cape Town is not just a tourist hotspot but a thriving, dynamic place where people live, work, and build businesses.