Bergie

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Bergie is a term used for a subsection of homeless people in Cape Town, South Africa. The word originates from the Afrikaans berg meaning "mountain" - the term originally referred to the homeless people who sheltered in the forests of the slopes of Table Mountain. Nowadays, however they are more commonly found in the city (particularly the Company Gardens and the harbour) where shelter and food are more readily available. Most of them speak Afrikaans mixed with a few English terms.

They often make money by acting as informal car guards in the city centre or close to the popular beaches of Cape Town, relying on tips they receive to get by.

Their lifestyle is portrayed in the documentary Pavement Aristocrats: The Bergies of Cape Town by François Verster^[1] as well as the play Suip by Heinrich Reisenhofer.^[2]

See also

• hobo

References

1. ^ "Drink, wit and freedom on Cape streets". Independent Online (1999-12-26). Retrieved on 2007-09-13.
2. ^ Derek Wilson (2001-03-05). "Bergie booze drama Suip set to stagger London". Independent Online. Retrieved on 2007-09-13.