More than five people have been killed in the latest xenophobic attacks, particularly in Alexandra, South Africa. The Government must act against these issues.
But while we wait for the government, take precautions to avoid running into those problems. In this article, we will discuss the top dangerous places to avoid and how to protect your lives and property.
Before 1994, immigrants in South Africa have suffered discrimination and violence. Fast forward, 2019, and the problem is still raging. Right now, media statements and rhetorics are the only ‘solutions’ we see.
You must take solutions to protect your lives and properties. Here are places to avoid xenophobic attacks and how to protect your life and properties.
Is South Africa safe to live?
Apart from the problems of Xenophobia, South Africa has a long way to go in guarding the safety of its residents and tourists.
The South African Police Service is supposed to be in charge, but yet South Africa has higher rates or violent crimes, rapes, assault, and murder. In a survey in 2017, many citizens stated that they don’t report crimes because they feel that nothing would be done about it.
Places to avoid in South Africa
South Africa is perhaps one of the most dangerous places in the world to live. There are lots of crime hotspots in Johannesburg alone.
Areas like Booyens, Jeppe, Sonshanguve, Ivory Park, Moffatview, Honeydew, Akasia and Dobsonville in Gauteng have been common high jacking spots in the country.
Apart from known cities, we cannot quickly point out other areas of South Africa as being safe. No place is safe from xenophobic attacks
For instance, Pretoria CBD was at one time considered relatively safe until the 28th of August when tension broke out in the region.
The conflicts in the country are rising, and the only viable solution would be higher vigilance and exercising caution in your immediate environment
Some other areas to avoid, especially concerning recent violence include:
- Turffontein, Johannesburg
- Mayfair
- Fordsburg
- Joburg
- Germiston
- Kotze Str
- Free State
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Eastern Cape Town
Regions that are unsafe from xenophobic attacks are mostly suburban areas or places with a relatively higher population of poor or average income earners.
Other areas to avoid when visiting South Africa, in general (but may not be related to the Xenophobic attacks) include:
- Park Road, Freestate
- Plessislaer, Kwazulu-Natal (1 142)
- Chatsworth, Kwazulu-Natal (1 195)
- Moroka, Gauteng (1 217)
- Johannesburg Central, Gauteng (1 254)
- Worcester, Western Cape (1 411)
- Hillbrow, Gauteng (1 575)
- Umlazi, Kwazulu-Natal (1 591)
- Phoenix, Kwazulu-Natal (1 789)
- Mitchells Plain, Western Cape (2 764)
More Common Sense
When in South Africa, exercise some common sense as would be done in any major city.
Avoid flaunting wealth and hide your flashy jewellery. Keep all cell phones and cameras hidden.
Make sure you use only small bills to make purchases. Avoid walking alone at night or preferably walk-in groups.
Public transport is not always safe, so be careful before catching the public minibus or hopping on a train.
No Safe City or place in South Africa?
In the world in general, many South African cities rank among the 20 most unsafe cities in the world.
Generally, Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, Pretorial, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town are six of the first 20 dangerous cities in South Africa.
This statistics is so alarming! So you must be extra careful anywhere in the country.