People coming here from the UK and elsewhere expect South Africa to be just
like the UK. It is just not so. With the advent of the new ANC government
things have changed a lot. Everybody can go anywhere they want to. Crime was
restricted to certain areas in the past but not so anymore.
The major problems such as bombings, etc., have stopped now and are
hopefully gone for good. People here don't have any major gripes in that
they need to kill people anymore. There is still a lot of petty crime (as in
all large towns and cities) but in the city centre (it's the same here
in London – Beetle) all streets are monitored by cameras so this acts as a
deterrent.
It is safe here although, like in any big city, from time to time there are
incidents, such as muggings and opportunistic theft. As I said in my first
article, do not set yourself up as a tourist, rather try and blend in. The
following rules are applicable when visiting any large city, whether it is Cape
Town, London, New York or Bangkok:
- Carrying large camera cases and having lots of jewellery showing is a
recipe for trouble - Do not walk about on your own in lonely places and if you do watch what is
going on around you. - It's better if there are two or more people together
- Lonely roads and alleyways are problems everywhere.
- Be aware of where you are or where you intend to go: certain areas are more
dangerous than others, and one should do one’s homework before venturing
out to these places. - Going to places such as the townships by yourself is a no no. Have a tour
company take you in and show you around.
There is a wide range of good accommodation in Cape Town from 5 star to bed
and breakfasts, and as far as I know service is good all round. Speaking
specifically of Cape Town, service is excellent, the food is first class and
you certainly will experience value for money here; there is much to come to
South Africa for.
Geoff Fairman is the editor and publisher of Banker's Oldboy's
Ezine, a free publication posted via email to your home computer weekly. To
read more articles on Cape Town visit:
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