How do American tourists feel about the high level of crime in Sout Africa?

Answer 1

I am an American who has lived in South Africa and travelled extensively throughout the country and I absolutely love it. However, to those South Africans who claim that there is crime all over the world and that their country is no worse, I emphatically disagree. In fact, such statements border on being delusional. One need not look any further than the security industry in South Africa to see my point. Anyone who has been to America knows that it is very rare to see houses with security gates, razor wire, armed response units, guard dogs,etc. However, in the suburbs of SA this is not only the norm but it is a requirement. I grew up in L.A. and New York, both of which are two of the most crime riddled cities in America, and neither is even comparable to the crime epidemic in South Africa. Truly no one who grew up in America could prepare themselves for the insecurity of South Africa. Most college kids in America feel free to walk home from the bar drunk at 2 a.m. while talking on their cellphone. This would be absolute suicide in South Africa. Finally, for those ignorant respondents who state that those who don't like the crime epidemic should leave or stay away, I say to them be careful what you wish for. One of the mainstays of the SA economy is tourism and I don't know many tourists who enjoy being robbed on their vacation. I also don't know many people who think that a good incentive to work harder and increase producitivity is the threat of any monetary gains being repossessed by force. The bottom line is that any South African who believes that crime is no more of a problem in their country as in other countries, is as ignorant about how Americans live as most Americans are about the way South Africans live.

Answer 2

I must say I had a good laugh at the figures quoted by Malan. Perhaps if he had stated that the start point for these so called Tourists was North America or Europe they would have been more believable. Probably they are no more than South Africans who fled the Country in great numbers returning to see friends and family.
World wide South Africa has a notorious reputation for violent crime and for being unable to protect visitors and therefore most give it a big miss.Westerners are particularly cautious about travelling to places where they are at risk and will not go. The fact that SA Tourism is now bemoaning the fact that they are losing out on huge numbers of Tourists says it all.

Thats a great answer from Mada0307 and I wonder if he realises that Tourism is South Africa's biggest foreign income earner according to Pieter Boshoff of the Realsouth africa. Even more than the mines according to him and that is probably why they leap into denial but it is absolutely immoral. The more they portray a wrong picture of visiting South Africa and the more foreigners are exposed to the violence then the more long term damage they do. But morality is not part of the SA Tourist Industry's core values.

Answer 3

My best friend has begun a 2 year stay in South Africa as a missionary. I have never been there, but I think crime is everywhere. You just have to be careful where ever you are. People are people all over the world. Some just have better opportunities than others.

Answer 4

How many American tourists are there in South Africa exactly?
If they don't like it, stay home and deal with the high level of crime here in the US!!!

Answer 5

The official figures show that about 280 000 North Americans visit South Africa per year. The number for European visitors is 1.3 million. North Americans thus seems to be less interested in SA than European people... maybe because 1. Airplane tickets from USA to SA are more expensive than from Europe to SA. 2. They think SA's tourist areas are inaccessible (it isn't if you take reasonable precautions) due to the high national crime rate which mostly affect the poor areas and 3. America and SA aren't as integrated (in eg. sport & culture) as Europe and South Africa.

Answer 6

There is no link to an "Article". You have no proof to support your propaganda, I mean question. I do support war crimes investigations of the Bush administration.

Answer 7

i used to visit SA last year and the crime rate was shockin us but SA as a whole is just great!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

It's too dangerous to go there. You are very likely to be mugged at the very least.

Answer 9

I don't know.

Answer 10

they should feel ish...its not their country.
if they dont want to come they shouldnt, if they want to they are welcome... thanks.