South Africa Travel Security

South Africa is a destination that requires caution and alertness on the part of travelers. The incidence of violent crime is very high, and that's the main reason for its risk rating of 6. Visitors have increasingly experienced criminal attacks, and anyone who appears affluent could become a victim. A high incidence of HIV/AIDS lends additional danger to any incident involving violence, and South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the world.

Although political violence has lessened since the days of apartheid, political and racial tensions remain. Those tensions sparked some brutal mob attacks on foreigners in Johannesburg and other cities in mid-2008. The situation is now calm, but some isolated attacks have continued and the tensions are likely to remain for some time.

High-risk Areas

Despite strong anticrime initiatives, Johannesburg remains one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Crime is also a serious issue in the townships and city centers of Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane (Pretoria).

Exercise great caution in Northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand and in the former "independent homelands" of Transkei and Ciskei because of high levels of crime and low levels of available medical care. Likewise, the approach roads to Kruger Park, where travelers have been the victims of murder, rape, robbery and carjacking, call for particular caution. Avoid isolated picnic spots in and near the park.

South Africa has a bicameral parliament with two chambers. Members are elected for five-year terms by proportional representation. The 400-member National Assembly debates all legislation, and the 90-member National Council of Provinces debates only legislation that has an impact on provincial government.

Thabo Mbeki took over as president when Nelson Mandela stepped down in mid-1999. Their African National Congress Party, which became South Africa's first democratically elected government in 1994, continues to form the government with a strong majority.

At the party's national congress in December 2007, after months of acrimony, the ANC elected Jacob Zuma to be its new leader, defeating Mbeki. Zuma won by a wider margin than predicted and is in line to succeed Mbeki as the country's next president in April 2009--unless his past returns to haunt him. He avoided corruption charges and was acquitted of rape in 2006 but only a week after his election as party leader, prosecutors pressed fresh charges of racketeering, money laundering, corruption and fraud. The outcome is far from clear but Zuma's supporters dismiss his legal problems as a political conspiracy.

The country's population is extremely diverse, and there are 11 official languages. Although the democratic government is well-established, Mbeki has been criticized roundly for failing to condemn land grabs in neighboring Zimbabwe. Indeed, land reform is a critical area of political focus in South Africa. During apartheid, millions of blacks were forced from their lands, which were turned over to white farmers. In an effort to avoid the land seizures and violence that have occurred in Zimbabwe, the South African government has committed to returning approximately 30% of that land.

South Africa is a middle-income, developing country with an abundant supply of resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy and transport sectors; a stock exchange among the 10 largest in the world; and a modern infrastructure supporting efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region.

Because of the country's prolific wildlife, stunning scenery, miles/kilometers of beaches, great climate and rich cultural traditions, tourism has more than doubled since 1994, with 9.07 million visitors in 2007. This represented an 8.3% increase over 2006, as the country broke its annual tourist arrivals record for the third year running. Tourism has outperformed all other sectors of the economy and is overtaking gold mining as a top earner.

Although South Africa's economy is highly developed in many areas, economic growth has not been strong enough to cut into an official unemployment rate of some 23%--some analysts put the figure much higher. Daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era, especially the problems of poverty and lack of economic empowerment among disadvantaged groups. The economy is in transition as the government seeks to address the persistent inequities of apartheid, stimulate growth and create jobs.

Business is becoming more integrated into the international system, and foreign investment has increased dramatically during the past several years. Real growth in gross domestic product is forecast to slow to 3.9% in 2008, owing to power shortages, high interest rates and global economic volatility, before picking up again to 4.4% in 2009 as preparations for the 2010 football World Cup gather momentum.

Historical background

Following independence from Britain in 1961, South Africa was ruled by a white minority that considered itself superior and hung on to power. In 1994, activists led by Mandela succeeded in their fight to abolish apartheid and extend democracy to the rest of the population.

From the outset, the new leadership encouraged reconciliation. Despite major problems, South Africa has held two successful national elections since the end of apartheid, as well as various local polls.

Domestic terrorism

In the Western Cape, the activities of the Muslim anti-Western People Against Gangsters And Drugs were severely curtailed in 2001. This was the result of a broadly successful law enforcement and prosecutorial effort against leading members of the organization who were wanted for crimes linked to urban bombings and murders. Nevertheless, the possibility of renewed threats should not be discounted, particularly in times of heightened world tension.

Civil unrest

Although political violence has lessened significantly since the apartheid era, political gatherings still occasionally turn violent--especially in areas around Cape Town, where there are groups of Islamic activists who harbor anti-Western sentiments.

In the past, the highest incidence of such political violence occurred in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, but the level of violence there has subsided considerably. Nevertheless, large public gatherings should be avoided as a general precaution, especially on holidays that tend to incite tensions, including 21 March (Human Rights Day), 27 April (Freedom Day), 1 May (Workers' Day) and 16 June (Youth Day).

There is frequent industrial unrest in South Africa, and it has grown increasingly violent in recent years. In June 2007, public-sector workers across the country went on a 27-day national strike, demanding a 12% increase. The strike was the longest and largest public-sector strike in South Africa's history, with more than 700,000 workers on strike and another 300,000, for whom it was illegal to strike, taking part in militant marches, pickets and other forms of protest. They finally accepted the government's "settlement offer" of 7.5%.

Cosatu, the union federation, is officially a partner in government but has criticized the ruling ANC for not doing enough to raise the living standards of the poor. Some analysts said the strike was really a battleground for the various camps within the ANC. Although the recent wave of industrial unrest is unusual, analysts said it didn't compare to the violent strikes of the 1980s that were directed against apartheid.

In recent years there have been numerous other, sometimes violent, protests focusing on a variety of issues. These included demonstrations by health, transport and casino workers and by the public about poor municipal services, the level of crime and other social issues.

During a two-week period in May 2008, a series of attacks took place all over South Africa as gangs of local black South Africans descended on informal settlements and shanty towns armed with clubs, machetes and torches, and attacked immigrants from Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Locals accused these immigrants of elevating crime rates and taking scarce jobs, housing and services away from them.

Troops brought the situation under control, but not before more than 60 foreigners had been killed, several hundred injured, and many thousands displaced or returned to their home countries. Further random attacks have been reported since then, and immigrant workers continue to live in some fear. Dealing with the aftermath of the attacks has become a serious problem for South Africa--prosecuting attackers, accommodating refugees, dealing with a labor shortage and doing political damage control seeking to address root causes of the violence.

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Institutional corruption

The issue of corruption has caused increasing concern in South Africa. However, South Africa said in June 2007 it would sign up with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development convention banning bribery, thus becoming the first African signatory of the group. Those signing the pact must implement measures aimed at preventing, detecting and punishing the bribery of foreign officials. Also in November 2007, South Africa moved into the category of "clean" countries in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency International.

Human-rights abuses

Although the South African government generally respects human rights, Amnesty International said in May 2008 that there were continuing reports of torture of detainees by police and poor prison conditions--police responded to a number of public protests with excessive force and arbitrary arrests.

A recent Commission of Inquiry found that corruption and maladministration were institutionalized in South Africa's prisons and that sexual violence is rife in them. An overburdened judiciary means lengthy delays in trials and prolonged pretrial detention.

Violence and discrimination against women, child prostitution and human trafficking are serious problems in South Africa. Although a new strategic plan on HIV/AIDS has been adopted and the number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS has increased, fewer than half of those needing it have had access.

South Africa's crime rates are high, and they're rising. Most incidents are crimes of opportunity, but they're often accompanied by violence. Carjackings and street muggings are common, and residential security is an issue. Women moving about alone are especially at risk. Criminal activity is particularly high in areas surrounding many hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Don't walk about alone, especially in urban centers after dark, and avoid isolated areas. Avoid displays of affluence. If you plan to visit townships, it is safest to do so with an organized tour.

In Johannesburg, areas that should be avoided for safety's sake include Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville and the Rotunda bus terminal in the city center. Exercise caution in Carlton Center. In Durban, avoid the city center and beachfront area, if possible. In the Western Cape, gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the townships near Cape Town have strained police resources.

Petty crime

Passports and other valuables often are stolen at airports. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Theft from hotel rooms is increasing. Keep the room's doors and windows secured, and don't allow someone you don't know to enter. When in restaurants, pubs or coffee shops, don't leave bags under or hanging on the back of your chair where they can be snatched.

When driving, keep the vehicle's doors locked and windows rolled up. Keep valuables out of sight, as criminals have been known to smash through windows to grab visible items.

Cell phones are attractive targets for thieves.

However secure a hotel may seem, you should remember that it is essentially a public place and that criminals are attracted to places where people are vulnerable. Avoid staying in first-floor rooms, especially the kind with sliding doors or doors opening onto public areas such as swimming pools. Don't leave valuables unattended in your hotel room--use the hotel safe. Keep your room door locked, even when you're inside the room. Don't allow strangers to enter your room, especially if you can't identify the individual at the door as a hotel employee. Call the front desk to verify that an employee has been sent to your room. If you have outside food (such as pizza) delivered, have it delivered to the lobby and pick it up yourself. Do not leave food trays outside your door--they can give strangers clues as to your vulnerability. For instance, a single drinking cup with lipstick stains indicates a woman traveling alone.

Violent crime

The country has one of the highest rates of murder--some 50 every day--and rape in the world. It also has one of the world's highest incidences of gun-related crime (reportedly, more civilians own guns than the police and military combined). Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town and Durban have especially high crime rates.

Police statistics in 2008 indicated an average of 150 rapes a day, a number that is most likely under-reported. Although these crimes are mostly inflicted on local residents, travelers are not immune and should take precautions; a number of violent attacks on tourists have been reported in the past few years.

There have been numerous reports of travelers being followed from Johannesburg's airport and then either being robbed when they reach their hotel or being forced to stop along the way by thieves. Some reports suggest that customs officers at the airport are complicit in such crimes, possibly phoning accomplices to lead them to visitors who could be lucrative targets. Police say they haven't been able to establish a definitive link between the thieves and airport staff. In early 2008, several people were arrested in connection with the incidents.

Police recently stepped up patrols on the N2 highway leading to and from Cape Town's airport; the number of carjackings has led some residents to dub the route "hell run." Police have warned motorists on the highway not to pull over because of a flat tire. Thieves have been placing planks with nails in them on the road to stop cars and rob the drivers.

Stick to main roads and avoid driving after dark. Take particular care in KwaZulu Natal and Zululand, and on the roads leading to and from Kruger Park. Avoid using local commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Tshwane, because a number of passengers have been the subjects of muggings and violent attacks.

Instances of visitors being robbed after accepting drugged food or drink have been reported. The drugs used have been deadly in some cases. Don't accept food or drink from anyone you don't know and don't leave drinks unattended.

Thefts from armored cars pose a risk to bystanders, as the heavily armed bandits who perpetrate them will fire if they feel threatened and often use their weapons indiscriminately.

Avoid any display of affluence and never leave valuables unattended. Cell phones, jewelry, laptop computers and video cameras are attractive targets for thieves, so keep them out of sight. Some criminals, however, may target items that you wouldn't consider valuable, so don't leave anything visible in your vehicle.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

To reduce the risk of sexual assault, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings and the people around you--if a place or situation doesn't feel safe, leave. Keep your wits about you and don't dull your senses with alcohol or drugs. Don't walk alone in deserted areas, especially after dark. Park your car in well-lit areas. Do not enter a taxi that contains other passengers and do not allow your driver to pick up additional passengers. Don't accept food or drinks from strangers--they could be drugged. Never pick up hitchhikers or accept a ride from a stranger. Ask a female employee at your hotel what neighborhoods to avoid. In your hotel, do not give clues to your gender or vulnerability by leaving food trays outside your door. Check with the hotel to verify the identity of employees who come to your room. Do not enter your room if anyone is loitering nearby in the hall.

White-collar crime

Credit-card and ATM fraud are rampant. Never allow anyone to "help" you get an ATM to work. Note a growing trend of people using cell phones equipped with cameras to capture a victim's PIN.

When you pay with a credit card, never let it out of your sight, even if you have to accompany the waiter or store clerk to the cash register. Similarly, do not give personal or financial information to people with whom you are not acquainted. International fraud rings operating in the country may target travelers and foreign businesspeople.

Be aware of a scam new to South Africa but successfully carried out elsewhere: Fraudsters dupe the unwary into believing that an "automatic solution" they are selling is a U.S. preparation that can wipe black security film from lost or stolen U.S. dollars. Needless to say, the currency is counterfeit and the solution is useless.

It's safer to use an ATM that's inside a store, bank, hotel or airport than a kiosk out on the street. Try to visit ATMs during daylight hours only. If you must go at night, try not to go alone. Be aware of your surroundings as you approach and leave the machine--if the situation looks suspicious or doesn't feel safe, go to another ATM or come back later. Memorize your PIN, and don't write it down anywhere, especially on your ATM card. Be sure no one can see you enter your PIN, and be aware of the practice of using camera phones to capture PINs. Put your money away before leaving the machine, and take any receipts with you. Never allow someone you don't know to "assist" you with the machine.

In areas where credit-card fraud is a problem, keep an eye on your card during any transactions you make and get the card back as soon as you can. Void any incorrect receipts and destroy any carbons. Save your receipts, so you can compare them you're your statement when it comes in. Make sure you have a record of account numbers and the phone number and address of the company issuing the card so that you can report any questionable charges as soon as possible. Notify the company immediately if your address changes. Don't leave receipts lying around, and never sign a blank receipt.

Police effectiveness

Many police officers are dedicated and well-trained, but they're hampered by shortages of staff and equipment. The country's police force has been increased substantially in recent years, but morale and effectiveness continue to be affected by a high murder rate among the police themselves. In the past two decades, more than 3,000 officers have been killed.

Police response often is slow or nonexistent, so don't expect a follow-up or resolution in an incident involving carjacking, robbery or mugging.

There also are reports of some misconduct among police. South Africa's Independent Complaints Directorate has said that misconduct incidents, mostly involving neglect of duty or improper performance of duty, have doubled in recent years. The number of deaths of those in police custody has, however, declined.

In late June 2008, police opened fire on each other with rubber bullets as national officers tried to break up a strike by several hundred metropolitan officers that was blocking traffic in Johannesburg. Several metro officers, who were striking about pay and complaints about nepotism, reportedly were injured.

Additional information

Hooligans can be a problem at sporting events in South Africa.

Rowdy, violent soccer fans--sometimes called hooligans--can be a problem before, during and after local and international soccer matches. Often, hooligans follow one particular soccer club and engage in disruptive behavior at matches. Hooligans usually seek out other hooligans to brawl with, but sometimes innocent fans can fall victim. Brawling, stone throwing and vandalism are potential dangers, and police intervention, using tear gas and other control measures, may affect bystanders. In recent years, hooligans have appeared at other sporting events, as well. Take care when planning to attend major competitive games, particularly championship games with rival nations. Avoid any kind of confrontation, verbal or otherwise, with rival fans that may be present.

Heavy rains along the south coast can leave dirt roads impassable, especially June-September. The northern part of the country lies in an active seismic zone, and there are occasional moderate earthquakes.

Currents and tides

The ocean currents and tides off the coast of South Africa can be dangerous, even in well-known tourist resorts.

Avoid unpatrolled and unmarked beaches, and never swim alone. Alcohol is a common contributor to drowning deaths because it lowers body temperature and can reduce swimming ability, as well as impairing judgment. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the current eases and you can swim back to land. Always use a lifejacket or personal flotation device when boating or sailing.

Animals

Leaving the confines of your vehicle in game parks or reserves can be hazardous, even in the company of a guide. Remember that the animals are wild; tourists sometimes have been injured or killed in animal attacks.

A deserted beach may be an indication of shark-infested waters, so swim only at beaches where you see other swimmers. Great white sharks frequent South African coastal waters, and attacks are regularly reported.

Sharks do not normally attack humans, and when they do, it is often because they have mistaken the human for another prey animal, such as a seal. To avoid a shark attack, swim or dive with a group. Avoid swimming during hours of darkness or twilight, in fog, or in murky waters. Avoid swimming in the vicinity of sea lions, harbor seals or elephant seals. Avoid swimming near the mouths of rivers where sharks hunt for fish. When diving, minimize time spent at the surface. Wearing a wetsuit and fins or lying on a surfboard creates the silhouette of a seal to a shark below you. Shallow water is not a deterrent to sharks; attacks have occurred in less than 5 ft/1.5 m of water. Sharks have good eyesight and will be attracted to shiny or colorful apparel. If a shark attacks, strike at its eyes or gills with anything you can, making hard, repeated jabs. A shark's nose is not as sensitive as its eyes and gills, so only strike the nose if you can't reach more sensitive areas.

Private medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but they may be limited elsewhere. Note that medical care may be expensive and that air evacuation may be the only way to secure emergency medical care in remote areas.

Diseases

AIDS is the leading cause of death in South Africa. Approximately 20% of the population has been affected, and an estimated 6 million will have died by 2010.

If you're traveling to Mpumalanga, Limpopo or KwaZulu Natal, seek a doctor's advice about malaria preventives and take precautions against mosquito bites. Those areas, and other rural sections, also have occasional outbreaks of cholera, so drink only bottled water.

The number of measles cases in Guateng has increased recently. Seek medical advice about immunizations before you depart on your trip.

In May 2007, health authorities warned of an outbreak of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Western Cape. Several deaths were reported, and hundreds of people were hospitalized with the dangerous strain of the disease. By mid-2008 more than 340,000 people reportedly had defaulted from treatment and thus were risking spreading the disease.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Cholera is usually contracted after consuming contaminated water or food. In areas where the disease is endemic, visitors should take care not to consume untreated water (including ice) or eat undercooked or raw foods, especially fish or shellfish. Stick to beverages and ice that are made from boiled or chlorinated water or that are carbonated. Foods that are cooked and served hot are usually safe. Fruits and vegetables that you wash with clean water and peel yourself also are generally safe. Don't assume that food and beverages served on airline flights, trains or vessels departing from affected areas are safe--items served on board the aircraft may have been locally obtained and could be contaminated. Seek medical assistance if you think you may have been exposed.

Because of the high crime rate, low driving standards and poor maintenance of vehicles, travel in South Africa demands caution.

Road conditions

Conditions on main roads are generally good, but secondary roads often are in very poor shape. Many drivers travel at very high speeds. Other dangers are poor lighting on rural roads and insufficient regulatory control of driver licensing and vehicle maintenance. According to the South Africa Department of Transport, nearly 80% of the more than 500,000 traffic accidents each year are caused by driver-related factors. Accidents are particularly frequent during the busy summer tourist season.

Call boxes installed along toll roads often are inoperable on account of poor maintenance. Always travel with a cell phone and be aware of your general geographic location so you can summon help if you need it.

Public transportation

Public transportation is considered hazardous, and accidents involving buses are common. Avoid unlicensed minibuses and taxis. It is not safe to hail a cab from the street; have your hotel or local acquaintances arrange a taxi.

In areas where crime on buses, subways or trains is a problem, stay alert at all times. Use only well-lighted, busy bus and subway stops. Try to sit near the driver or conductor, or in a car that contains several other passengers. Keep a good grip on your bag or purse. If you're carrying a cellular phone, keep it secure. Watch to see who gets off at the same time you do--if it's someone you feel is suspicious, go at once to the nearest public place and ask for help.

In areas where there's crime related to the use of taxis, never hail a cab or accept a ride in a taxi that is unmarked or seems to be cruising for business. Instead, phone a taxi and book it in advance. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you booked--make the driver say in what name the reservation was made. Don't get in a cab that already contains other passengers. If the cab doesn't have a meter, agree on a fare before getting in. If it does have a meter, make sure the driver has it turned on. If at any time you begin to feel uncomfortable, ask to be let out in a well-lighted area where there are other people around.

Air travel

In November 2007, immigration officials in South Africa were reported to be passing information about air travelers arriving in South Africa to criminals who used this to target and later rob their victims. Those targeted were usually arriving from Nigeria or had declared large sums of money or valuables.

Facilities for travelers are widely available. Local authorities warn against using unregistered tour guides in the Western Cape area. Ask to see the tour guide's badge and registration card to make sure the guide is operating legally.

South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure that insulates it from widespread power outages or similar industrial concerns. However, rolling brown outs and power load shedding are becoming more commonplace, especially during periods of peak demand.

On several occasions in 2007, large areas of South Africa, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, experienced power cuts resulting from high demand because of cold weather. The cuts have led to concerns about South Africa's ability to host soccer's 2010 World Cup, although the government is planning massive extra investment in the industry.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.