I agree with the point made by SABrits.

I studied this forum when I considered relocating to Johannesburg - it was so negative and depressing (usually the same 3-4 persons dominating all the threads), however I decided to come down to see it for myself and speak to a lot of people. Im glad I did - the picture is completely different to most of the negative comments here...

Stick to the safe areas, use common sense etc and you will be fine. The standard of living here is fantastic and so much to do outside the city too. I dont feel a fortress living in my house and dont feel nervous driving to any of the malls.

My advice if youre considering moving here - come for a week or two to see things for yourself and speak to the people in your prospective new company who actually live here.

Take all the "extreme" doomongering with a pinch of salt.