Western Cape

[A90]

I have been reading about SA and the rather unbecoming race situation in the country for some time now and would like to know; what the situation is like in the Western Cape? With the largest racial group being colored,only about 10% more black than white, the province being governed by the DA, and the higher average income is the Western Cape safer for whites? I'm assuming it is safer than say KwaZulu-Natal.

[arnaud]

Originally Posted by A90

I have been reading about SA and the rather unbecoming race situation in the country for some time now and would like to know; what the situation is like in the Western Cape? With the largest racial group being colored,only about 10% more black than white, the province being governed by the DA, and the higher average income is the Western Cape safer for whites? I'm assuming it is safer than say KwaZulu-Natal.

Safer, I don't know. However, you Western Cape is more friendly to Whites as the Weather is approximately the same you will find in Italy or France (South-East)
Race does not matter anyway, even if the so-called Coloured people is well-known for their friendly-attitude.

The Pros :
- Weather (except Cape Town, may be. Paarl is lovely)
- DA
- Cape Town (economy)

The Cons :
- Language (except in Cape Town and Paarl, you should learn Afrikaans to do the basic things)
- Religious tensions (you will find the biggest muslim community in Western Cape. Some of them accept the western or african values, but some believe they live in Middle East and can be very arrogant. Some euorpeans leave europe due to Muslim zealots, and AFAIK the situation here in Western Cape is yet under control, but anyway, I dunno what will be the situation by 2020, for instance. I have nothing against Religion, just against Zealots)


If you want a well-paid job, you should consider Johannesburg or Pretoria though

[A90]

Originally Posted by arnaud

Safer, I don't know. However, you Western Cape is more friendly to Whites as the Weather is approximately the same you will find in Italy or France (South-East)
Race does not matter anyway, even if the so-called Coloured people is well-known for their friendly-attitude.

The Pros :
- Weather (except Cape Town, may be. Paarl is lovely)
- DA
- Cape Town (economy)

The Cons :
- Language (except in Cape Town and Paarl, you should learn Afrikaans to do the basic things)
- Religious tensions (you will find the biggest muslim community in Western Cape. Some of them accept the western or african values, but some believe they live in Middle East and can be very arrogant. Some euorpeans leave europe due to Muslim zealots, and AFAIK the situation here in Western Cape is yet under control, but anyway, I dunno what will be the situation by 2020, for instance. I have nothing against Religion, just against Zealots)


If you want a well-paid job, you should consider Johannesburg or Pretoria though

Thanks for the info. How safe is it in the Cape winelands, Stellenbosch and Paarl specificaly, as this is where I am looking to travel.

[arnaud]

Originally Posted by A90

Thanks for the info. How safe is it in the Cape winelands, Stellenbosch and Paarl specificaly, as this is where I am looking to travel.

It is OK. One of the best place for retirees though

[A90]

Originally Posted by arnaud

It is OK. One of the best place for retirees though

Hows the crime though? Could I walk down the street without having to worry about getting mugged?

[arnaud]

It depends where you are. Generally it is safe

[A90]

Originally Posted by arnaud

It depends where you are. Generally it is safe

Anywhere in particular I should stay away from in Stellenbosch or Paarl?

[arnaud]

Don't be paranoid and don't read the right-wing forums. It should be safe for you.

[JulianQ101]

Originally Posted by A90

Anywhere in particular I should stay away from in Stellenbosch or Paarl?

If you use common-sense then you will be safe. Most of the WC is no more dangerous than many areas of the USA. So if you don't flash around expensive cameras, jewelery and cash and you avoid deserted places after dark then you are ok... no different to the USA. Then there are slums areas to avoid at all times - again no different to the USA.

Stellenbosch is actually a beautiful town and very tourist friendly. The whole wine route is great for tourists. My advice is to talk to the people at the hotel you live in and ask about specific areas to visit or avoid. I've traveled the USA and used that same logic. Ask the locals and they will be only too pleased to offer sound advice.

[Thatch22]

Use commen sence to travel, but that you have to do all over the world. Ask in your Hotel if you can walk in the streets. Stellenbosch is very touristic and an University city.
Do you not have to learn Afrikaans, and with Englisch you can do very well overthere.
Paarl can be very, very hot and humid during summer.
Westeren Cape is like Europe.
Have fun