Safety in South Africa
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Is South Africa safe for expats? There is no doubt that safety in South Africa, and particularly the country's crime problem, is a major factor for expats considering moving to South Africa. Crime rates in South Africa remain high; petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, while armed robberies and hijackings are also frequent occurrences. However, the majority of criminal incidents occur as part of gang and drug-related activities, and in township or inner-city areas, far removed from where expats tend to live.
Nevertheless, the ongoing concern with regards to crime in South Africa is the violence and disregard for life that often accompanies these incidents. Expats should avoid being a “soft target” by always being aware of their surroundings, walking with purpose and avoiding isolated areas.
On a positive note, South African authorities have made great efforts to address the crime issue, and in a recent survey by African Response, 92 percent of foreigners visiting South Africa during the 2010 World Cup said they would recommend the country to others, including family and friends, as a destination. This can be attributed to increased police presence and swifter response by emergency services. An 11.3 percent decrease in motor vehicle theft and a five percent decrease in burglaries in 2011 further suggest that there is reason to be optimistic, although the country’s crime rates are still among the highest globally.
Provided they take necessary precautions, expats can avoid being affected. Keeping abreast of current happenings in South Africa will help to inform expats of any emerging public safety issues. Small lifestyle and behavioural changes can also greatly decrease chances of becoming a victim of crime and improve the experience of expat life in South Africa.
Residential safety in South Africa
Home burglaries are frequent occurrences in South Africa. Expats living in the South African suburbs can greatly improve their personal safety by contracting an armed response security provider, and ensuring their homes have electric fencing. Many suburbs have controlled access, a measure that comes close to eliminating crime in those areas.
Furthermore, there are a few factors that can help improve the residential safety of expats:
- Most South African house burglars operate in groups of two to three people, and select their targets on the basis of appearance. Alert your neighbourhood watch or police if you see any suspicious looking small groups or individuals wondering in your street.
- Home burglaries mostly occur between 22:00 and 04:00, as criminals want their victims present to open safes or hand over valuables. Be especially vigilant about locked doors and set alarm systems at these times.
- Expats still in the process of choosing a home should opt for enclosed neighbourhoods or security villages, apartments with gated/ fenced security, or a neighbourhood with an effective neighbourhood watch or even foot patrols, especially in high-risk areas.
- High perimeter walls, guard dogs, electric fencing and barred doors and windows are all precautions to consider when living in South Africa, should your budget allow it.
- A common complaint is that police response is too slow in cities. Expats should consider using privately owned security companies which have armed response units capable of responding to emergencies.
Public transport safety in South Africa
A lack of safe public transportation in South Africa poses a frustrating challenge to expats. Minibus taxis, trains and even buses are hotspots for criminal activity, especially pickpocketing and muggings. It is therefore wise to consult trusted locals or tour operators on which registered transportation companies are safest. Many tour operators offer reliable, safe and comfortable shuttle services at reasonable prices.
There are no underground trains, but the speedy Gautrain, which operates between Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and the nearby city of Pretoria, provides a safe and effective means of travel. However, it is relatively expensive, with prices for fairs ranging between R105 and R400. The MyCiti bus service in Cape Town is also widely regarded as a safe option, but valuables should still be kept out of sight when using this service, and caution is advisable at night, especially if travelling alone.
Road safety in South Africa
Although South Africa has a developed road infrastructure, road safety is an ongoing concern and accidents are common. Road users generally have a lack of respect for the rules of the road, especially the ubiquitous minibus taxis, which are responsible for many accidents.
Smash-and-grab thefts and hijackings also constitute threats to road users; hotspots include outside residential driveways and at traffic lights near freeway off-ramps. Expats driving in South Africa should do so defensively, obey the rules of the road and be aware of their surroundings at all times, particularly at night when accidents and criminal incidents are more frequent.
Pedestrians and animals also tend to cross highways freely and unexpectedly in South Africa, and drivers should be alert to this.
Pedestrians and animals also tend to cross highways freely and unexpectedly in South Africa, and drivers should be alert to this.
Expats should also keep their car doors locked at all times, stick to main routes, always park in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and never pick up hitchhikers. It is an unwritten rule to treat a red traffic light as a stop street in high-crime areas late at night to evade hijackings.
When parking at night, choose a security patrolled or well-lit area. Informal and formal car guarding services are common in South Africa. Should a car guard be offering assistance once you have parked your car, it is accepted practice to pay him/ her a small fee (R2 upwards) upon your return.
Scams in South Africa
Foreigners in South Africa are the favourite target of criminals posing as tour guides or police. When touring, only employ registered, qualified tour guides. If at all unsure, ask police for their credentials should they confront you. If an unmarked police vehicle demands that you stop when driving, drive instead to the nearest police station or marked police vehicle to confirm the officer’s identification.
ATM scams in South Africa are also common. Never let a stranger help you or engage you in conversation when drawing money from an ATM. Don’t count your money in public, and avoid drawing large amounts of cash when strangers are watching you. Should the ATM withhold your card, immediately call the helpline number displayed next to the machine.
Political and social unrest in South Africa
Protests stemming from ongoing social inequalities and labour disputes are common in South Africa. These can be disruptive to traffic and service delivery in the affected area and violence has erupted on occasion.
Large labour union strikes are usually publicised in advance in the local media and there is normally a notable security presence surrounding such events. Expats should keep abreast of local developments and should avoid any affected areas.
Health hazards in South Africa
It is essential to consult your healthcare practitioner or travel clinic on which vaccinations are necessary before you visit or move to South Africa. Malaria, tuberculosis and HIV are the three most common lethal diseases in South Africa. Malaria, the disease most often contracted by visitors, is present in parts of the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo (northern) and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as the popular safari destination, the Kruger National Park. Travel clinics or travel agents in South Africa are able to point out the high-risk areas.
Another safety risk for expats is the extreme heat of South African summers. The coastal climate in South Africa is popular because of its desirable Mediterranean and sub-tropical conditions, but the high UV factor is a countrywide concern. Temperatures can rise to between 32 and 38 degrees Celsius in the shade, and therefore the use of wide-brimmed hats and 30+ SPF sunblock is of utmost importance. The highest temperatures are recorded in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces.
Public hygiene isn’t a problem in most up-market restaurants, but it is advisable to opt for filtered or bottled water instead of tap water in smaller towns. The local tourism offices or municipalities are able to advise on the quality of tap water.
Safety tips for South Africa
The following are some general safety tips and precautions that prospective visitors to both major cities and rural areas of South Africa should remember:
Keep aware of your surroundings. When walking in the streets, avoid wearing any visible objects that may attract muggers. These include flashy jewellery, iPods, camera equipment, mobile phones, car keys and wallets.
- Take care to wear handbags or sling bags away from the street to avoid drive-by bag-snatchers.
- Avoid isolated areas, rather stick to populated areas. Narrow alleys, marginal areas of cities and townships should not be included in any itinerary, unless accompanied by a registered tour guide.
- Walk with purpose; looking lost or asking for directions will also make you a soft target for criminals. It is advisable to plan your route beforehand, and only ask police officers or shop/ hotel staff for directions.
- If lost when driving, or having car trouble, immediately contact the AA on 083 843 22 for roadside assistance.
- If confronted, it is best to comply with the criminal’s demands to hand over your valuables.
Emergency telephone numbers in South Africa
- Tourist crisis incident report: 0861 874 911
- Police: 10111
- Police Flying Squad: 10111
- Ambulance: 10177
- Ambulance (from a South African mobile phone): 122
- Netcare 911 (private medical rescue service): 082 911
- AA (Emergency Roadside Assistance): 083 843 22
