Grahamstown, South Africa

Capital City

Living in Grahamstown, a town of about 75,000 people, is a constant headache of bureaucratic dysfunction. The municipality, which has liabilities exceeding its assets by 813 million rand, has repeatedly failed to provide reliable water and other basic services to its residents. Xenophobic violence has also displaced over 500 people in recent years. While the town hosts a vibrant cultural scene, including the annual National Arts Festival, the legacy of apartheid's disparate education system continues to plague the local schools. This bleak picture makes Grahamstown a poor choice for anyone seeking a smooth transition to life in South Africa.