Is It Safe To Live In South Africa?

It is important to understand South Africa is a nation in transition, a nation making its best efforts to level the playing fields after centuries of colonial domination and, unsurprisingly, there are some challenges in the pipeline. However, South Africa is so beautiful, and her people have proven themselves to be more resilient than thought to be.

The struggle continues for social and economic equality

South Africans attained political freedom in 1994 but the struggle for social and economic equality continues to this day.

The much vaunted political processes of black economic empowerment and employment equity have gone a certain distance in making a few wealthy, but has unfortunately not managed to address some of the real issues facing South Africans, which has caused discontent, especially amongst the poor and vulnerable in society.

That said, however, South Africa is undoubtedly a safe nation to live in, regardless of race, colour or creed. There are the obvious no-go areas, like any other country in the world and it is advisable to be vigilant, especially in the big commercial centres of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, but not all South Africans are living in constant fear of attack.

The poor are the most vulnerable to attack

The panic reporting is exactly that and tales of white people being targeted because of their race is absolute nonsense and is simply scaremongering.

Many of the violent crimes, in fact, take place in the poorer areas where the inhabitants cannot afford the protection of high-tech security and are consequently vulnerable to roving bands of thugs.

The new dispensation is committed to crime busting

Although crime levels have spiraled since the first heady days of freedom, the new ANC dispensation is committed to dealing with crime at all levels. They are further committed to redistributing the enormous wealth of this nation more equitably and are re-visiting the constitution in an effort to curb some of the rights granted to convicted criminals.

The police services and the judiciary are also being overhauled in an effort to increase their efficacy. So while crime is still high up on all our agendas, there will be a time in the not too distant future that this unpleasant scourge should be dealt with once and for all.

There is no doubt that the vast majority of South Africans are law-abiding, warm, welcoming people whose sole aim is to put food on the table and to live happy lives. Given time, South Africa may well become one of the most sought after destinations in the world to live in.

By:
Lavana James

South African relocation company, IMCOSA, offers comprehensive immigration services, including up-to-date relocation advice by experienced immigration professionals, and advice through the entire relocation process www.imcosa.co.za