South Africa: Beautiful or Dangerous?

In 2010, the Football World Cup will be held in South Africa. Second only to the Olympics in terms of size and popularity, the World Cup is a time where friendly rivalries overlap with community, competitiveness and fun. For any nation hosting such an event, there is one overriding, primary concern: security.

It’s a lovely place though

South Africa is the rape captial of the world. Robbery, armed assault, carjackings, muggings, thefts, pickpocketing, kidnapping and corruption are all common occurrences. By general consensus, South Africa is considered the most dangerous country in the world not currently at war. There are an average of 50 murders per day. Over 18% of the adult population carries HIV. A recent survey held it to be the third most dangerous tourist destination on Earth, behind Colombia in second place and Haiti in first. G4S, one of the world’s biggest security firms, has declined to provide security for the World Cup, rating South Africa as more dangerous than both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Iraq is safer than South Africa

There are several factors that contribute to these damning statistics. First off, South Africa’s political and cultural history in recent times has been, to say the least, incredibly turbulent. The public transport system is lacking in resources, with limited train and bus services. Even when the public transport system is working well, tourists are told to avoid it due to the risks it poses from muggers and rapists. With carjacking an incessant menace, and many tourists choosing not to rent a car in the first place, this leaves walking as the only ‘safe’ choice. Of course, out on the streets is where most tourists are most vulnerable. Thirdly, there is no reputedly safe area of the country. Certainly, there are areas where the level of crime is lower than in other parts of the country, but the overall crime level even in the more peaceful towns is markedly high.

Louise Taylor, writing for the Guardian back in July, had this to say about South Africa’s triumphant bid for the World Cup 2010:

‘Personally I’d have preferred the 2010 World Cup to have gone to Egypt. Yes, it would have been very hot (although it’s a dry heat) and it would, in places, have been dirty and ultra-chaotic, but it would also have been friendly and welcoming. And, in terms of crime, Egypt is extremely safe. Eyebrows would doubtless have been raised at the potential for organisational mayhem, the nightmarish Cairo traffic and the downtown air pollution, but surely if the Egyptians could build the pyramids they could host a World Cup.

Football by the Pyramids?

Instead, though, South Africa has a wonderful opportunity to change prejudices and perceptions. And, I sincerely hope, prove doom-mongers like me horribly wrong.’

Indeed, it is important to put doom-mongering statistics in perspective. The disconcertingly named blog ‘Shut Up Whitey’, a moniker which does not necessarily inspire confidence in the blogger’s opinions, has this to say:

‘The point is that crime in South Africa is not as random an [sic] chaotic as people will have you believe. It’s not lurking around every corner with your fate attached to some roulette wheel. It’s quite systematic and predictable. For the gross majority of violent crime it’s confined to certain areas, risks groups (black or coloured males) and follows simple unsophisticated patterns. To put this another way : [sic] It’s very easy to avoid it.’
Undoubtedly the risk, as a tourist, of being a victim of crime in South Africa is higher than visiting many other parts of the world. But may travel websites make it out to be a given that a tourist will encounter some form of considerable trouble while visiting the country. Take this user of the Yahoo! Answers Forum quoted in response to the question ‘Is Johannesburg Dangerous for Tourists to Visit?’:

‘As a South African who has lived in South Africa for most of my life, I am sad to say that it is a very dangerous place for tourists to visit. Tourists are prime targets for criminals to attack, rob and sometimes murder. I am ashamed to admit this about my own country but it’s true. Crime is out of control there as there is a lack of respect for the laws and for the citizens of the country.’

Just another day in Joh-Berg

However one attempts to spin it, there are clearly unresolved issues. A tourist in South Africa will be subject to dangers and risks that need to be addressed before visiting. Following some simple advice can keep tourists as safe as possible. Some of these tips might smack of paranoia, but it is exactly these mistakes and lack of awareness in tourists that criminals prey upon. Firstly, keeping in large groups is safer than walking alone or as a couple. Doors and windows should remain locked on cars at all times, especially when driving through suburban areas. If taking a taxi, ask the driver to confirm the doors are locked. If taking a rental car, check the rear view mirror if the road is relatively empty to ensure another car is not following. Regardless of what transport is used, plan a route beforehand and stick to that route. Going for an aimless wander to explore the city or town marks out a tourist for any would-be criminals. Keep important documents and passports in a safe if possible. Never carry around large amounts of cash.

Even if you’re Peter Jackson, be afraid!

Despite all the aforementioned risks, many tourists have a fantastic time in South Africa. As a tourist, it is difficult to acquire the savvy and nous that natives have which enables them to navigate the dangers of the country without becoming victims of senseless crimes. When considering a visit to South Africa, it might be best not to ask the question of whether the country is beautiful or dangerous – it’s seemingly both – but whether you are prepared.

Bookmark