we may be moving to Johanesburg in March, my husband, myself and my two young children. I have read many articles, including one from the US State Department and different forums regarding the safety of americans in SA. It is very disturbing. How safe will we be in the suburbs of Josi? Can we not just tool around and be safe? do we need to stay in our "safe" community so as not to get raped, mugged, carjacked, etc. Is it really worth moving my family there to live in constant fear and trepidation that something may happen around the next corner? How safe is it really??? Is it the Gangster's Paradise? or is the crime overexagerated? Please help!
Hi
I'll try to answer your questions for you. Not sure what you mean by 'can we not just tool around and be safe?' though, so help me out if I've misunderstood you.
Johannesburg has many different suburbs, some less safe than others. Yes, there are limitations on what you can and can't do, for example:
1. If you don't live in a gated community, it would be unwise to walk around your neighbourhood after dark. You'd be inviting trouble. You can however drive to the fitness club, go horseriding, join a cycling club and cycle with a team (not wise on your own), or walk around your gated community (most of which are beautiful and a pleasure to walk around).
2. You can't leave your doors of your home unlocked or live without some sort of guard on the window if you do not live in a secure 'gated' estate. - Here the security is very good.
3. You shouldn't wear flash jewellry outside your home or you'd be asking for it to be snatched.
4. You can go out (drive yourself there) to restaurants at night in Joburg. It's easy to find parking. There are usually 'car guards' standing by who will watch over your car for you. (You then decide if you want to tip them and how much you want to tip. They'll gratefully accept your small change)
5. You should stay away from the public transport system, all of which is considered to be unsafe.
6. Some areas in Johannesburg are dangerous and if you're driving and take a wrong turn, you are putting yourself in a dangerous position. Find out exactly where you're going first and then, head out onto the roads. When you first arrive, you should stick to the roads in the suburbs you know and remain aware. The biggest problem is total complacency and people becoming careless. Keep the awareness levels up.
7. The crime stats are high and crime is a reality. Be astute, be careful and make some local friends to show you the ropes. Opt for the safest option in terms of a) location of your abode b) security of your abode c) safe car (drive safely too. Windows up, doors locked, and be alert especially as you approach traffic lights at night.
'Is it worth moving your family to live in constant fear and trepidation'? How do you respond to living within the precautions I've mentioned? If this is living in trepidation to you, then you may not like it. It's a personal choice. The country has a great deal going for it and there are many, many people living there from abroad who fall in love with South Africa and just cannot leave. Some folks have left and moved to Australia as the allure of living without a fence around their home is too great (as one example), and they may have had a bad experience of course which has caused them to move on. There is endless beauty though, enduring friendships and if you've been offered a good posting then life will be fantastic.
All the best.