Iain,
I am a mom who moved three years ago to Cape Town with husband and three kids . Yes, it was an adjustment, but we were from a squeaky-clean suburb in the American mid-west. I love South Africa and am thankful that my kids have been able to experience life here. Yes, crime is a problem, and most of my acquaintances have been victims of crime. We have had our home broken into once ourselves, luckily with no one at home and with little loss. We feed homeless people at our gate often, and know many people who have a very tough life here. Camps Bay must be one of the most awesomely beautiful places in the world. I have young single and married friends who live there and love it. All in all, I think you have an amazing opportunity here...take it.