What does people (Overseas countries) think of South-Africa?

Question

I have met so many people that think that in South-Africa animals run wild and that there is no infrastructure. If you vist this country - when you get off the plane you either get attacked by wild animals or criminals?

Do people realise that we actually have more city than wild life and that wild life can only be found in nature reserves. We have everything you will find in other countries - yes even satalite tv.

Is there realy people out there that think South-Africa has nothing but animals and criminals?

Answer 1

I liked South Africa.
However before I went there I didn't think that there would be a city like Joh'berg. I expected it to all be like, documentaries on TV. In fact I was disappointed that i never saw any wild lions. I especially had a great time in Sun City.
And oh my goodness, The road rules are crazy over there, I will never be afraid to drive in the same car as my mother again. All of our Drivers drove at 130kl, while txting and turning around talking to us, they also take over other cars while both lanes are being used (just squeeze in between.)

Answer 2

I live in the UK now and when I met my wife here five years ago, when she told the people she knew that she is dating a South African, they asked whether I am black then. When they see SA on the telly, they see wild life, bush and no modern cities and that is why I think they believe the animals run wild and we live in shacks with no modern road systems (I was very wiery of saying that as there is potholes big enough and old enough that it has got aquatic creatures growing in it). It is just people are very naive sometimes.

Answer 3

I have spent four months in SA, and I got the impression of a very wonderful and modern country. Of course it varies a little in different areas, but for example in the Cape area, things are very clean and modern. It is true, the criminal rate is the first thing that comes to the mind of most people I tell about my visit to SA. But I got to know and LOVE the country and dream about living there some day.

Answer 4

Oh, this question (the "running-around" question) doesnt feature every week now, but seemingly every 4 days. Should have a cut-n-paste answer ready for when some new bloke to the forum asks this queastion a few days from now. Maybe we can start bets on how long before this question pops up again in the SA section. I say......6 days. Place your bets, guys!

Answer 5

Most sheltered people think that of any second or third world contry. Chill out everyone has their own opinions its not like everyone in the USA is completely ignorant

Answer 6

we've an expat S. African interior the city the place I stay...he's a doctor..and he holds community talks and tells human beings to no longer go away the airport at JHB as there is open conflict basically previous the airport homes...assorted my pals do no longer recognize how alluring SA particularly is...all they hear approximately is CRIME and how stressful carried out via the whites are.

Answer 7

I like South Africa, sort out all the car jackings and it would be a great place to live.

Answer 8

This will probably be difficult for you to digest but the facts are that South Africa is of little relevance to people in other Countries unless they have a link into the Country ( friends,relatives,business etc).Therefore there is a level of lack of knowledge but more importantly a lack of interest. To South Africans you are the most important Country on the Planet but in the West the main topic on South Africa is either crime or the numbers of South Africans who have appeared on our shores. You are deluded if you believe that what is found in South Africa can be found anywhere else in the World.In the West for instance are modern civilisations that actually work despite internal differences but that is not the case in South Africa which is beset by crime,corruption,racism and communism. From your material viewpoint it needs to be pointed out that all your major Cities are in a serious state of decay and are bounded by squatter camps which you will not find in any Western European city.In fact much of your infrastructure would be demolished as slums.Basic things like electricity and telecommunications operate at the most rudimentary level and public services such as transport and Hospitals are a nightmare.As for being attacked by criminals when you get off the plane - how true. Are you aware of the level of theft from passenger luggage in your international Airports from looting baggage handlers? Are you not aware of the criminal gangs who frequent your Airports watching arriving Tourists then arranging via mobile for them to be robbed outside the Airport precincts? Are you not aware of the numerous attacks on Tourists at all of your tourist sites and Hotels? Table Mountain is one of the most unsafe sites in South Africa and the so called safe Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has had more than 14 attacks on visitors in the last 2 weeks. Are you not aware of the visitors being raped on your Beaches and in their holiday homes?
Lastly are you naive or totally deluded and in denial?

Answer 9

I was told in Indonesia once that I can't come from South Africa becuase I am white and only black people live in Africa.

Why the thumbs down when it is an honest story?

Answer 10

you forget to mention mercenaries,diamonds and funny accents... and a good football team...