, GGH2606
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 20 AUGUST 2026
PART A: INTRODUCTION TO CAPE TOWN (50 Marks)
1. Location of Cape Town (Absolute and Relative Location)
Cape Town is situated at the southern tip of the African continent at the precise coordinates of
33°55' south latitude and 18°25' east longitude, placing it firmly within the southern hemisphere
along the southwestern coast of South Africa (City of Cape Town, 2022). In terms of relative
location, Cape Town is positioned at the strategic convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans,
with the city nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, which rises over one thousand metres
above sea level (Rogerson & Visser, 2011). The city forms the core of the Cape Town Functional
Region, which extends to include neighbouring towns such as Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Hermanus,
creating a broader economic and tourism catchment area that encompasses approximately 2,455
square kilometres (Statistics South Africa, 2020). This strategic location at the maritime crossroads
has historically made Cape Town a vital port city and continues to influence its role as a gateway to
the African continent for international tourists, with Cape Town International Airport serving as a
major hub for both domestic and international flights (Western Cape Government, 2021). The city's
relative proximity to other major South African destinations, including the Garden Route and the
Winelands, further enhances its position as a central tourism node within the Western Cape
province (Visser, 2016).
2. Environment of Cape Town (Natural and Man-Made)
The natural environment of Cape Town is characterised by remarkable biodiversity and dramatic
landscapes that have earned the region international recognition. Table Mountain dominates the
city's skyline and forms the centrepiece of the Table Mountain National Park, which is a declared
World Heritage Site and home to the unique fynbos biome, one of the world's most diverse floral
kingdoms comprising over 8,500 plant species, of which approximately 70% are endemic to the
region (SANParks, 2020). The mountain is flanked by Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill,
creating the distinctive "city bowl" geography that shapes the urban landscape. The region
experiences well-defined seasons and is known for the strong south-easterly winds locally termed
the "Cape Doctor," which clear the city of pollution and contribute to the area's distinctive climatic
character (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2019). The man-made environment reflects a rich
colonial and post-colonial heritage, with the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront standing as a prime
example of successful urban regeneration, blending maritime history with modern commercial
development (V&A Waterfront, 2021). The harbour, originally established in 1654, has evolved into
a vibrant mixed-use precinct that attracts millions of visitors annually. The city also features the
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 20 AUGUST 2026
PART A: INTRODUCTION TO CAPE TOWN (50 Marks)
1. Location of Cape Town (Absolute and Relative Location)
Cape Town is situated at the southern tip of the African continent at the precise coordinates of
33°55' south latitude and 18°25' east longitude, placing it firmly within the southern hemisphere
along the southwestern coast of South Africa (City of Cape Town, 2022). In terms of relative
location, Cape Town is positioned at the strategic convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans,
with the city nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, which rises over one thousand metres
above sea level (Rogerson & Visser, 2011). The city forms the core of the Cape Town Functional
Region, which extends to include neighbouring towns such as Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Hermanus,
creating a broader economic and tourism catchment area that encompasses approximately 2,455
square kilometres (Statistics South Africa, 2020). This strategic location at the maritime crossroads
has historically made Cape Town a vital port city and continues to influence its role as a gateway to
the African continent for international tourists, with Cape Town International Airport serving as a
major hub for both domestic and international flights (Western Cape Government, 2021). The city's
relative proximity to other major South African destinations, including the Garden Route and the
Winelands, further enhances its position as a central tourism node within the Western Cape
province (Visser, 2016).
2. Environment of Cape Town (Natural and Man-Made)
The natural environment of Cape Town is characterised by remarkable biodiversity and dramatic
landscapes that have earned the region international recognition. Table Mountain dominates the
city's skyline and forms the centrepiece of the Table Mountain National Park, which is a declared
World Heritage Site and home to the unique fynbos biome, one of the world's most diverse floral
kingdoms comprising over 8,500 plant species, of which approximately 70% are endemic to the
region (SANParks, 2020). The mountain is flanked by Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill,
creating the distinctive "city bowl" geography that shapes the urban landscape. The region
experiences well-defined seasons and is known for the strong south-easterly winds locally termed
the "Cape Doctor," which clear the city of pollution and contribute to the area's distinctive climatic
character (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2019). The man-made environment reflects a rich
colonial and post-colonial heritage, with the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront standing as a prime
example of successful urban regeneration, blending maritime history with modern commercial
development (V&A Waterfront, 2021). The harbour, originally established in 1654, has evolved into
a vibrant mixed-use precinct that attracts millions of visitors annually. The city also features the
