Long story short, DD (21) is unexpectedly spending a week in Cape Town & Jo'burg the beginning of August. As this trip was extremely unplanned, any suggestions for inexpensive student lodging, cheap eats (vegetarian), wine bars w/ music, sightseeing, etc would be appreciated. She is alone, so safety is a concern. Thanks in advance for help!

You should check at lonelyplanet.com they are much more geared to budget. J

Why don't you try Cape Town Backpacker: http://www.capetownbackpackers.com/ctbackpackers/ or for more hostels, hostelworld at http://www.hostelworld.com/

Another backpackers site is Coast to Coast: www.coastingafrica.com

It's the one most referenced on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree (TT) forum South Africa page. And I agree with Jules, the TT forum is more attuned to this kind of question. (And my own budget and experiences!) The URL I'm going to give here should take you to that page, or if not, then the Africa branch: www.tinyurl.com/n7zxnu

The Coast to Coast booklet (available at all backpackers I think) is also on that site, in .pdf format.

Thanks Arthur! DD does not have Internet access at the moment, she will be checking in at the end of the week. I will forward her your links. I believe she is staying at the Backpacker hotel, she definitely mentioned it.