Western Cape Reports Sharp Rise in Road Fatalities
News
Aug 13, 2025
The Algorithm of Segregation: How Digital Maps Perpetuate Cape Town's Divide
By Globalza
From Uber to Google, tech platforms are hardcoding apartheid geography into the 21st century.
When Apps Draw Red Lines
A 2024 UCT study found ride-hailing algorithms charge <strong>42% more</strong> for trips originating in townships—not due to distance, but 'risk pricing.' Meanwhile, Google Maps labels Khayelitsha as a 'low-connectivity zone,' discouraging delivery services and remote work opportunities.
The Data Feedback Loop
Tech companies claim neutrality, but their maps reflect apartheid-era planning:
- 80% of Cape Town's EV charging stations cluster in former white areas
- Airbnb's 'safety filters' disproportionately flag township listings
- Food delivery apps show 3x more restaurants in Strand than Nomzamo
Hacking the System
Initiatives like 'Open Streets Cape Town' are crowdsourcing alternative maps that highlight township businesses and safe walking routes. But without regulation, activists warn digital tools will automate segregation for another generation.
