Is it safe for a black and white couple to live in cape town, south Africa?

Question

Is it safe for a black and white couple to live in cape town, south Africa?
we will live in cape town for 1 year with two kids and want to know everything about the city.
is it safe to live there for a mixed couple with mixed kids?
will we be discriminated for school or apartment?
what is the probability to be attacked because we are a black and white couple?
is it safe to live there and take a walk outside ( not late at night) but go out for dinner with kids and do activities ?
thank you all I need everything on the city . the cost of living is high or low?

Answer 1

Hi Nikonan - I am a white American that has lived in Cape Town for 4 years. For two of the years I had a girlfriend that was black. We never experienced any problems concerning discrimination or harrasment. Her aunt and uncle whom she lived with were a mixed white and black couple and they never told me of any particularly bad experiences. They also had a mixed race daughter, and a black African son. There are many mixed race people in Cape Town, known here as 'coloured,' as a matter of fact, they are the majority here.

Ignore the people who only post negative things about South Africa such as one particular poster above. Unfortunately, there are still many racist people here who feel good about themselves by highlighting the problems of a democratic South Africa, rather than acknowledging both the good and the bad and working to make things better.

I have loved the 4 years that I have spent here. Cape Town is an amazing city. Feel free to email me and I can give you more detail on some of your questions. Click on my username and there should be a link there to send me an email.

Cheers,
Jason

Answer 2

You know what, here's the thing - lets be real a min. What are you going to do there? Which end of the income scale will you be on?

Go live in an affluent area put your children into private schools and enjoy the lifestyle. Of course you can go walking, just be sensible about where you walk!
Of course you can go to restaurants, with children the Spur is a great fastish food outlet, very child friendly - regardless of the color of your or your partner's skin.

You would be hard pressed to find better fine dining anywhere.

Its just like absolutely anywhere else, be street wise, be aware and enjoy your time there.

You will love living in Cape Town.

Oh and by the way, I know of mixed couples who were quietly getting on with their lives even before apartheid was abolished, Cape Town is the most accepting of places.

Answer 3

I am a non-white South African engaged to a white Afrikaner woman. The only discrimination you'll experience are from a few racists who still subscribe to the white supremacy ideals of the previous government. Fortunately these people form a very small minority and generally South Africans and particularly Cape Townians are accepting of mixed race relationships.

The cost of living is fairly high in the city itself but get's cheaper as you move further out.

Answer 4

I do not think you will have a problem as a mixed race couple. Where i came from Port-Shepstone South-coast in SA there were loads of mixed couples. Nobody really care's, should you go to some places in the Transvaal you will get people who will make horrible remarks etc. Just depends where you go. Please do yourself a favour, South-Africa has got lots of problems still, the crime rate is the worst and their is lots of it. Don't ever go walking around by yourself, don't wear jewelry and always be vigilant. I am not talking nonsense i have experienced lots of that in SA . Those people who tell you all is fine is lying, but not that it is stopping me going back there for my holidays. I love South-Africa but i am vigilant, know what to expect should i not be careful and always walk with my eyes wide open and never without my trusty friend on my hip.

Answer 5

Sorry to say this but racism is very much alive. Try finding a place to live as a mixed couple in certain areas. You wont believe what my friend and her husband are going through. Its pathetic. The excuses she has to hear regarding not been given the accommodation makes me laugh. Racism is alive and well and very much something white south africans have to get over. God doesnt judge by colour and what right do you have to judge people anyway.

Answer 6

oh my gosh of COURSE it will be 100% fine!!!!! South Africa is a totally free and accepting country, people dont even look twice if they see a mixed race couple, its normal and accepted and totally fine. I live in Cape Town, and it is not something unusual at all I promise you. You will not be discriminated against, and nor will your children, South Africa is a beautiful, accepting country - weve come a long way. you wil enjoy Cape Town its beautiful!

Answer 7

Look at the site www.southafricathetruth.net and you will have most of your questions answered plus you can interact with other South Africans. Regardless of colour it is unsafe for anyone,anywhere in South Africa and Cape Town has the highest per capita crime rate in South Africa. Forget about the Rainbow Nation myth for racism in South Africa is alive and well. You will not escape it and the best you can hope for is that they whisper behind your back.
Nikonan - Be careful for the imposters who answer on this site. In the past they are "17 year old Afrikaans schoolboy" or "crime is everywhere " brigade and now " I am an American" lionchow. Check the spelling of words such as "coloureds" which is distinctly non-American and the reference to South Africa being a democracy despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Google "crime south africa" and chose from the numerous sites that are available revealing the destruction of a once viable Country.

Answer 8

I'm a black south african. I am not offended by white men dating black women. I don't have a negative feeling towards white acquiring land in this country.

You will not be descriminated against. In fact, Cape Town's population is predominantly "coloured". You are welcome to South Africa.

Answer 9

I've always heard that it was illegal for blacks and whites to date in South Africa.

Answer 10

I've never been there, but are making arrangements to vacation there next year. I wouldn't think that there would be anymore or less racism there than there is here in America. Good luck and enjoy your stay.