Joburg a safe place to live ?

Question

Looks like things have not changed a decade since. See link below.

In your view,
What are the source of issues that need addressing;
What solutions, if any, are available to create a paradigm shift from the present state of affairs ?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/southafrica/story/0,,1937665,00.html

- Whilst there is no place entirely safe, partially self sustainable societies without undue reliance on external aid would suggest a level of safety is required to attenuate non-constructive anti-collective efforts, especially white collar crime that has little good reason.

- Whilst there is no denying of required policing, it is only a temporary buffer, short of a perpetual panopticon communist state.

Precisely because it is the epitome of society pulling itself apart, it becomes all the more important not to shy away from issues everyone wants swept under the carpet.

HIGHLIGHTS
Given the irreconcilable levels of social intolerance in an almost fascist like dominated system, a final solution is required to wipe the slate clean. – Brad M

Nadine Gordimer feels resolving unemployment would in turn resolve crime. With the prevalence of white collar in the Jacob Zuma corruption trial along with crime by people without jobs, a degree of competent policing is required. Better representation in cabinet may provide better decisions and execution thereof made. – Anria A

It is a systemic problem in Government, lacking competent people with the best interests of people at heart. With corruption, true democracy cannot be secured for some time. – Alf Garnett

DECISION
There is a fatalist approach by many spoken to in the past of political claustrophobia that a better represented cabinet is required to enfranchise the masses. Where policing is the medicine of short term respite until the country gets on its feet, education and good governance will lead to sustainable gains.

Whilst Brad M position would be ideal to show the symptoms of a malfunctioning system, the proposition detracts from tolerable social acceptance. The resolution then lies to Alf and Anria.

Answer 1

Unfortunately the article is correct, out of the whole of SA, Johannesburg is the most unsafe.
There are other places in the country where things are better, but on a whole there is still a lot of crime.
Nadine Gordimer feels that tackling unemployment, not appointing more police forces would tackle crime.
I feel it's a bit of both. There is a lot of white collar crime in SA to: Look at the recent Jacob Zuma corruption trial.
I feel that unemployment forms half of the solution, as many people turn to theft in order to survive, but still there are many employed people who commit crime, so more police is also important.
There are many places in the country where if you call the police you are sometimes left to wait hours, even a day, for someone to come see you, this is shame full.
I think in the end it will take another generation before he have a cabinet full of able politician (both black and white) and until these problems will start to get better.
Until then, we can only wait and see.

Answer 2

You are right - there is a lot of crime. Take advice from your husband about where it is safe to go and how to go there. Always be on your guard. Joburg is one of the more dangerous parts of SA. If I was you, I would postpone your marriage until your husband has relocated to a safer place. I used to live there. I left. The problem with people who still live there is that you get used to the danger until it seems normal. I left because I didn't want it to be "normal" to be raped and possible losing a child or husband to murder. If your feel the safe as I do, then it would be better to not get married, than to live in Joburg.

Answer 3

Nowhere in South Africa is safe to live and a quick check of the crime stats will show that you are more likely to be murdered in Cape Town than you are in Johannesburg. Part of the problem is the intellectual levels and political ineptness of the ANC who still run their affairs like a terrorist organisation rather then a Government. 75% of ANC politicians have a recent criminal record ( fraud) and they throw parties for convicted fraudsters ( Yengeni) before they begin their jail sentence. How do you control crime when the example set by the Ruling Party is criminal in itself? Currently the Commissioner of Police is publicly accused of fraud and corruption and being linked to crime syndicates. He also happens to be Head of Interpol but there is no Government reaction or immediate investigation etc. Just a bland statement about it being a smear campaign. It is going to take generations to get a Government that is truly democratic western style in South Africa if ever. Currently they consort with the Chinese,Russians,Iranians etc who all have a wonderful human rights record so perhaps that gives you an indication of the route they chose.

Answer 4

it can be safe if you promise not to venture out of your home which has to have burglar bars on the inside and the outside, an alarm system. high walls around your garden, a security guard at your front gate and neighbourhood watch. You could be safe not 100% guaranteed!!!

Answer 5

Oh Jesus, you're going to be called an apartheid lover or someone that doesn't want to let go of the past and embrace 'The Rainbow Nation.'

Take a look at some of my questions detailing the anarchy in what used to be South Africa and take a look at some of the names I've been called and also take a look at the creative excuses people continually come up with to excuse all this sh*t. There's one, right below, in 'liefie's' answer.

The source of the anarchy (these are not merely 'issues') is the criminal, Marxist government that neglects its citizens.

The solution to all this is AIDS.
This plague is going to continue cutting a swathe through the South African population until the criminals in the ANC are finally forced to sit up and take notice, stop blaming everything on the past and start putting their house in order.

Answer 6

Yes Joburg is not safe but what about the rest of the world is there somewhere where you know your entirly safe?No nowhere!

Answer 7

Hell no and never will be until it disappears into a giant sink hole and it can be rebuild from scratch.