Backed by travel advice issued by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), London's The Telegraph newspaper has placed South Africa alongside Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Haiti, Eritrea, Pakistan, Burundi, Nigeria and the DRC in terms of danger to travellers.
According to the FCO, South Africa has "an underlying threat from terrorism".
Beware: SA is violent: UK, US and Australia warn citizens visiting South Africa
South Africa's spiralling crime figures may have deterred more than 22 million tourists from visiting the country over the past five years, its tourism minister said this week.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk said government research showed that more than a third of potential tourists had cited safety concerns as a reason for not visiting South Africa since 2002.
SA among top 20 most dangerous places
Karyn Maughan, The Star
December 01 2008 at 06:06AM
 African Cultural 'Toy Toy' Protest outside Soccer City, Johannesburg [More background on cultural and ideological roots of violent protests, see documentary ANC: VIP's of Violence] |
Terror-reeling India and South Africa have something in common: both are rated as one of the world's 20 most dangerous countries.
Backed by travel advice issued by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), London's The Telegraph newspaper has placed South Africa alongside Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Haiti, Eritrea, Pakistan, Burundi, Nigeria and the DRC in terms of danger to travellers.
According to the FCO, South Africa has "an underlying threat from terrorism".
"Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
The FCO's travel advisory on SA also states: "South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.
"In 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint. We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.
"The standard of driving is variable and there are many fatal accidents."
This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on December 01, 2008
» » » » [The Star (PDF)] » » [Ethiopian Review (PDF)]
Beware: SA is violent: UK, US and Australia warn citizens visiting South Africa
Nivashni Nair, Times Live
Oct 19, 2009 1:00 AM
 [Protest Sign: Land of Opportunity for Murderers, Rapists and Thieves. Lone Smallholders Protestor Against Crime] “For the World Cup, they give a visa to everybody.” -- Khola, the Ghanaian Magnet for Immigration: 3 - 6 million Illegal Immigrants in South Africa |
Avoid townships, practice safe sex and "exercise the highest degree of caution", are some of the travel tips given to tourists visiting South Africa.
The US, Australia and UK governments believe that although the vast majority of their citizens enjoy incident-free trips to South Africa, they have to make visitors aware of the country's high levels of violent crime.
This they do through their state websites, which were updated recently to include security advice for citizens planning to travel to South Africa for next year's World Cup.
Australia has given South Africa a "high degree of caution" rating and warns against visits to Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg and Durban's beach front at night.
The UK includes the Rotunda bus terminus in Johannesburg in its list of Gauteng crime hot spots due to the high number of muggings in the inner city.
It also warns of car hijackings en route to and from the Kruger National Park.
Cape Town's Table Mountain, one of the country's most visited tourists destinations, is mentioned after recent attacks on hikers and tourists.
"Some attacks have been violent. Park authorities, who are attempting to address the problem, recommend that visitors walk in groups and take all appropriate precautions," the UK's website states.
The wave of violent xenophobic attacks which hit South Africa last year still remains the subject of a US travel tip - American visitors are urged to avoid protests and demonstrations.
"While there have been no reports of Americans or other non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have sprung up quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control," the US Bureau of Consulates' website states.
"American visitors are advised to listen to local media for reports of such incidents and to avoid areas where they may be likely to occur."
It warns Americans to stay away from the "Cape Flats area, surrounding townships and informal settlements in Cape Town".
"In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in low-income areas and informal settlements in Cape Town."
All three countries warn of rape, murder and robbery and exposure to HIV/Aids.
The US website advises travellers "to exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in sexual activity, or if they become exposed to a blood source other than that supplied by a hospital for transfusion purposes".
» » » » [Times Live (PDF)]
Crime puts tourists off South Africa
Charles Starmer-Smith, Telegraph.UK
Published: 2:27PM GMT 02 Feb 2008
 Fears over security are putting people off visiting South Africa |
One of the world's great holiday destinations is being marred by a wave of violence
South Africa's spiralling crime figures may have deterred more than 22 million tourists from visiting the country over the past five years, its tourism minister said this week.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk said government research showed that more than a third of potential tourists had cited safety concerns as a reason for not visiting South Africa since 2002.
The government has set itself a target of 10 million tourists a year by the time the country stages the football World Cup in 2010. Currently it claims to attract just over eight million visitors.
"Our research has indicated that, while South Africa is in many respects an attractive tourist destination, fear of crime could be a possible deterrent to potential visitors," Mr van Schalkwyk said. "Crime is an issue we have to deal with if we want to reach our target."
South African authorities were hoping to achieve a drop in crime in the 12 months ending in March this year of between seven and 10 per cent. Instead, recent figures show that murders increased by 2.4 per cent (to 19,202), bank robberies by 118 per cent, residential robberies by 24 per cent, car hijackings by six per cent, drug-related crimes by 8.2 per cent and commercial crimes by 12.6 per cent. The number of rapes (52,617) and attempted murders (20,142) decreased.
There were no figures for the number of foreigners targeted. Opposition parties claim that the true figures may, in fact, be much higher.
"Given that 32 per cent of all crimes are not reported to the police, we know that the crime rates are unacceptable," a spokesman for the Democratic Alliance party said. He added that, with a murder rate of 40.5 per 100,000 people, the number of killings in South Africa was eight times the world average.
Charles Nqakula, South Africa's safety and security minister, dismissed concerns that crime will put people off travelling to South Africa for the football World Cup. He said the country had successfully staged the Rugby World Cup in 1994 when crime levels were even higher.
Police statistics do not bear out his claim. They show that, although the annual number of murders has dropped since 1994, most categories of crime have seen significant increases over the same period. For example, the number of rapes in 1994/5 was 44,751, compared with 52,617 in 2006/7, while robberies and indecent assault have doubled.
Despite such figures, the Foreign Office maintains that the vast majority of visits to South African remain trouble-free. Its website comments: "South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in areas away from the main tourist destinations. The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists."
British concerns about the dangers of travel in South Africa resurfaced in June 2004 following the murder of Darryl Kempster, who was part of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance company, on the steps of his Johannesburg hotel.
Today, the Foreign Office says danger areas include Berea and Hillbrow and the Rotunda bus terminus in Johannesburg, the approach roads to and from Kruger Park, Durban's city centre and beachfront and the quieter areas of Table Mountain, in Cape Town.
"In all areas, you should be cautious when out after dark. Keep to main roads and avoid driving at night when visiting northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand, as there have been incidents of hijacking and robbery," it advises. "You should park in well-lit areas, avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots and walking alone anywhere."
Mr van Schalkwyk said the government was seeking a separate breakdown of crimes against tourists, which he believes will help change perceptions that the country is not safe.
He said government spending on security would be increased and police numbers would rise from 152,000 to 190,000 by 2010.
He claims that despite the high levels of crime visitor numbers continue to rise. Critics say the government figures are skewed to include the huge number of migrant workers who come from neighbouring countries.
The Foreign Office estimates that 460,000 Britons visit South Africa each year. In 2004, the figure was 458,000.
» » » » [Telegraph.UK (PDF)]
UK Gov.: Foreign & Commonwealth Office: Crime in South Africa
UK in South Africa
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25 December 2009
South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.
The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists. Tourism police are deployed in several of the large towns.
During 2007 and 2008 there have been a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint. We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.
The risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low. But if you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact. Consult a reliable tour guide if you are visiting a township.
South Africa actively promotes an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. But given the high level of HIV/AIDS in the country, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.
As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your baggage with you at all times. Due to pilfering of luggage at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, it is recommended that where possible, and where local regulations permit, hold luggage is vacuum wrapped.
» » » » [UK in SA: Foreign & Commonwealth Office: Crime in South Africa (PDF)]
SafeTravel.Gov.NZ: South Africa: “Some Risk”
New Zealand Goverment
25 December 2009
There is some risk to your security in South Africa.
Crime is a serious issue throughout South Africa. Travellers should be vigilant at all times, especially at bus stations, airports (especially Johannesburg International Airport), as organised gangs are known to operate there.
In Johannesburg visitors should be especially vigilant in the central business district as muggings and carjackings are prevalent. Be very careful in city centres after dark when the risk of crime markedly increases.
Caution should be exercised in Pretoria. You should be careful at all times in the city of Durban and by the beachfront. Carjackings are common in this city. Muggings can occur anywhere at any time.
If visiting Kruger Park be aware of the danger of carjackings on roads leading into the park.
Capetown visitors who go to Table Mountain should only go in groups to minimise the risk of attack.
Those wishing to visit the townships should only do so as part of an organised tour by a reputable company.
It is recommended that you avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they could quickly turn into violence.
» » » » [New Zealand Gov. Travel Advisory: South Africa (PDF)]
Embassy of Ireland: Safety & Security: Crime: “Exercise Caution”
Embassy of Ireland in South Africa
25 December 2009
Safety and Security: Crime: South Africa has a high-level of crime, including violent crime, rape and murder.
While most cases occur in townships or in areas away from normal tourist destinations, no where is completely safe and visitors should exercise caution when travelling in both urban and rural environments, including city centre areas at night (city centres are usually referred to as Central Business Districts or CBDs in South Africa).
Walking at night is not advisable and many tourists consider public transport to be unsafe; private car rental is the safest option for independent travel and is favoured by most tourists. As elsewhere, please be particularly careful with personal items and valuables in markets and other places frequented by tourists.
Armed car-jacking is a serious concern throughout South Africa. Thefts and smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles are common. Drivers should keep their vehicle door locked and windows closed, and exercise caution when travelling, particularly at night and at filling stations.
If you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact.
Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution if travelling to townships. It is recommended that you only visit townships as part of a recognised tour.
As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your baggage with you at all times.
Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas. Do not give personal or financial account information details to unknown parties.
» » » » [Embassy of Ireland: Safety & Security: Crime (PDF)]
Australian Gov: Foreign Affairs & Trade: South Africa: “High Degree of Caution”
Australian Gov: Dept. of Foreign Affairs
25 December 2009
High Degree of Caution:
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Where to Get Help (new Consulate in Cape Town). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa because of the high level of serious crime.
- Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
- South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010. We advise travellers to register their travel and contact details well in advance of their trip. For further information see our travel bulletin on 2010 FIFA World Cup-South Africa.
» » » » [AU.Gov: South Africa: “High Degree of Caution” (PDF)]
Canada: Travel Report for South Africa: “Exercise High Degree of Caution”
Canada Gov: Foreign Affairs & Trade
25 December 2009
 Between 30 and 40 newspaper clippings were presented as evidence of life in South Africa. “One article exhibited was published in [the Daily Sun in 2004] by Africa Ka Mahamba. [It was] entitled ‘Taking from whites is not a crime’,” Kaplan said. The article quotes the leader of the “Uhuru cultural club” as telling youngsters who attended a Human Rights Day celebration to steal from whites because “it is the right thing to do”. |
Although the security situation in the country is relatively calm, Canadians should be aware that South Africa has a very high level of serious crime.
Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country. South Africa has a generally stable political climate; however, nationwide strikes and demonstrations occur regularly and often with little warning. It would be prudent to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and take appropriate precautions. There have been incidents of violence and looting caused by lack of crowd control at demonstrations in the past. Canadians are advised to monitor the media with regards to the whereabouts of such demonstrations.
Although the security situation in the country is relatively calm, Canadians should be aware that South Africa has a very high level of serious crime. Sporadic incidents of violence also occur, as demonstrated by the episodes of violence that took place in a number of townships in May 2008. They have led to the deaths of more than 50 people and the displacement of thousands.
Canadians should pay close attention to their personal security and monitor the media for updates on safety or security risks.
» » » » [Canada: Travel Report for South Africa (PDF)]
1 comment:
Very informative post. Here World’s Most Dreadful Destinations. If your travel agent suggest you for this place than dont go. Dreadful Destinations such as Africa's Rwanda, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan's Kabul, US drops bombs regularly on Iraq, People are holding gun on the streets, even dont go in Chechnya, North Korea it is not a place worth visiting, Cambodia is also dangorous place for tourist, Sri Lanka, Macedonia, United States.
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