1st of all, this is my first blog ever (of many to come) . As a Belgian my spelling will not always be a 100% correct, so I do apologize in advance. Having said that I hope you enjoy reading my blog and that it gives you a better understanding of South Africa and all it stands for. To start of let’s talk about:
Crime & safety in South Africa.
What you hear.
This is always a mayor topic when it comes to traveling to South Africa and it’s a sensitive one for sure. Before living in South Africa, I always heard people talk about the safety and crime. Every time I mentioned going on vacation to South Africa people (95% of them never visited the country) would try to warn me about all the violent crime there. That it is not safe to travel freely and even dangerous to walk the streets. They also mentioned the racism against the” white man,” and the dislike towards them. For some reason the western world paints a picture of the African continent in a whole that does not stroke with reality. For that same reason a lot of African people think that in the western continents everything works and there is absolutely no crime and violence. We all know better and the grass isn’t greener on the other side! It is just different.
personal experience.
Living here now for multiple years married to a local South African woman I can tell you that a lot of things are highly exaggerated. We go almost everywhere, walk our dogs daily, go hiking, bird watching, take long coastal drives, etc… . We never had any problems, never feel unsafe or unwelcome.
I’m not saying there is no crime and violence here, but isn’t that everywhere? Any big city, country or mayor tourist destination has its fair share of it. Unfortunately, that is the sad reality these days and we must be aware of it. But we do not have to blow it out of proportion and scare people when it really isn’t necessary. Almost all the crime and violence that you hear about in South Africa is very area related, and happens in these areas. As a tourist or South African resident, you usually avoid these places. Off course being interested in the local rural community life I can imagine you would want to experience it first hand. When you decide to do so ALWAYS use a guide who is familiar with the local community and customs. There is some protocol involved please follow them. For all the other areas, it comes down to just using your common sense and taking little things in to consideration as you would do in every foreign country you would visit.
Tips & Insights.
1st you must be aware that you are visiting a country with a high unemployment rate. That comes with poverty and unfortunately crime. So, try to blend in, act and dress casual, don’t go flashing around all your expensive jewellery, watches, iPhone and so on when you are walking the streets. Do your research before you leave your hotel, B&B, or guesthouse. Where to go? how to get somewhere? So you don’t have to watch google maps on your phone all the time when walking. That’s how locals spot a tourist from miles away and it makes you an easy target. When visiting famous sites where lots of people are standing close together rather put your things in pockets with a zipper and make sure your handbag is closed. Better be safe than sorry. After dark always walk in group end never alone. When leaving your hotel, B&B or guesthouse talk to the staff and ask what local areas or streets to avoid. When driving or parking your car the same precautions apply, do not leave valuables in plain sight. Put them under the seat or in the boot, and obviously always lock your vehicle! Another thing about driving in South Africa, they drive lefthand side, watch out when crossing the streets. If you come to an intersection without robots (that’s how South Africans name traffic lights) they use a first come first serve policy. A lot of the infrastructure is not maintained, there are big potholes in the road, robots that are not working etc… . But again, if you are aware of these things and use common sense, they are just all part of your African adventure. As you are reading this you will think to yourself, using your common sense is just normal. You should do it anywhere you live, or anywhere you travel. And like all around the world, if you do, you will be just fine!
The other side of it.
But now having talked about one side of the coin. The crime and safety (or lack of it). It is always easy to be negative, and we tended to do it too often. Let us talk about the other side, the positivity, warmth, kindness, and generosity of the people of South Africa! The minute you disembark the airplane, boat or how ever you travel, you will see, hear, and feel it. People are so eager to help you here, they will assist you in any way they can. Even going out of their way to make sure you are sorted. I’ve damaged my mountain bike once being 45 km from home, within minutes several people stopped offering to take me home even if it meant driving 25 min in the other direction. After a very nice conversation and a few laughs I was dropped off right in front of my doorstep. And they have to, (go out of their way to help each other) in a country where the government is struggling to assist with the needs of the people. For this reason, South Africans are so open, funny, (always smiling) versatile, creative, approachable, and giving. Having ordered a coffee and cake ones in a gas station only to realise that I had forgotten my wallet at home, the lady, (or sissy how the locals would call a woman) that served me offered to pay for it herself, even do they have so little themselves. No matter who you are, where you come from, the colour of your skin, your religion, rich or poor, that all does not matter! They will invite you in, and have a true interest in who you are as a person and your wellbeing. Here the people matter more than anything!
Final words.
Bottom line; don’t be discouraged to come because of what you hear about South Africa. Visit because of what you don’t hear about it. it is a very safe country to travel! Come and experience it, after al we are the rainbow nation living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Until the next blog,
Glenn.