What do you think of South Africa?

Answer 1

I'm going there in 3 weeks for the first time. My friends are family love it over there. However, they say poverty is very sad and violence is very high.

Answer 2

It´s a beautiful country but beauty is only skin deep, beneath all that magnifiscence the foundations are beginning to falter.

They did a phone in poll on one of the TV channels on South African television and 98% of South Africans who phoned in voted that crime was out of control in South Africa.

South Africa is alongside Columbia and Iraq with crime statistics.

It´s very expensive, prices for hotels, food and clothes compare with Europe - but it´s not Europe, it´s Africa.

I believe that many, many more Europeans, Coloreds and Africans would join the other 1 million who have already left if immigration into other countries was not so difficult and if family strings did not pull so tight.

The government are being pressured to adress crime, but with so much crime present in the government, how can the leaders preach what they do not practice.

Answer 3

Beautiful country, great people. Spoilt by greed of a few. Very misunderstood by most who have never lived there. Look at it this way.... Consists of many , many tribes in one country....originally, tribal area was about 3 days walking distance. Did a tribe ever have a leader and a 'leader in opposition?'.... never. Thus, the basic tribal psyche is for a dictatorship, not democracy. The tribe, also, was civilized, within thier own civilization.

While I was living there...at the end of Aparthied, the fathers of the black townships, whereas they did not support aparthied, did NOT want a black government, they had seen the way the rest of Africa had gone under black government.
As to racism, there is more racism in UK than in South Africa. They tolerate, and understand each others ways.
Schools are amazing, the kids respect the teachers, the teachers respect the kids. The system runs that kids are tested almost at the end each year, if they fail that year, they do not go 'up' to the next year, they re-do the year (or 'Standard' in thier terms. The kids are taught how to study, how to pass exams...very valuable.
For info, coolkebab, for bills like electricity, you pay monthly, never get a red reminder, they simply add interest to your account. As to Road Tax & 3rd Party insurance, it's rolled into the price of petrol (Pay as you Drive???)

Answer 4

I've been a couple of times. I love it there, but some South African friends of mine have moved away because of the violence and lack of equality. They say that the pendulum has swung too far the other way, and white people can not get jobs, even if they are more qualified than black applicants. It's probably a natural reaction after years of repression, and hopefully things will balance out as the next generation of young white and black South Africans grow up as equals.

In 20 years time when things settle down it will be perfect!

Answer 5

The most increadible country I've ever been, very rich with culture. It's got a sort of homey feel.
Beautiful beaches, beautiful (and friendly) woman.
Increadible people. All in all, it's a very beautiful country. There is crime though, but thats mainly in town, and it's not all that bad. Just avoid going to the danger zones at night, find out from a travel agent which areas to avoid.

I would recommend this country to anyone wanting a nice break. Go to the beaches, go on safari, visit the mountains, whatever... You'll love it.

Answer 6

South Africa is A world in one country. There is something for everyone children and adults. The lush scenery on the Panorama Route and abundance of game viewing in Kruger, cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, whale watching in Hermanus, dolphins in Plettenberg and Durban. Historical war stories in KwaZulu Natal. Township tours, wine tasting on horseback (no drink driving on this tour!). Seriously need I say more oh yes amazingly friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable locals. Commonsense is a great weapon you have to use it anywhere nowadays. UK crime is just as frightening - look at the children shooting each other in London now. I cross my fingers as I type as I hope it remains this way - none of my clients have ever been mugged it is all about choosing the right areas / properties to stay. Don't get me wrong I know crime happens but it is a problem worldwide. I have been fortunate enough to see many places in the world from Canada to Australia and much of Southern Africa and some Caribbean and South / Southern Africa wins for amazing breath taking scenery - South America I believe is strong competition though. I hope this has helped you. If you are considering visiting pease feel free to visit my website if you wish for ideas http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk

Answer 7

I love South Africa!! Best place to be. Good weather, great plant and animal live, nice people, some bad people, corrupt government, HIV invested, best cricket team in world (sorry Australia), great diversity of cultures, working infrastructure with huge potholes and much much more. after all that i still love South Africa

Answer 8

Its a beautiful place, just short of the downfall of the current useless government. But I've lived here all my life, I love it and no amount of negativity is going to change that, nor ruin that for me. Its alive with diversity, nice people, and many great places to visit or go out and have fun at.

I'm not only going to state pro's... I need to be realistic as well. The crime is said to be awful (have been too sheltered to be a victim). Race, as I've witnessed here, is still an issue (but where isnt it...lol). infrastructure isnt 100%, but we are one of the best developed/ developing in Africa... We just short of a few people who care and want to fight for a better country.

But all in all, i think RSA is a place worth loving and fighting for... rich history, beautiful Africans (this includs every race). Blacks, in their diversity, Indians who seem to have the most beautiful of people, Coloured's Koon Carnival thats such a blast. How the Afrikaaner will make you a braai that will have you coming back for more, the mixture of whites who play such a part as well in all they do and say... You'd love it, if you were to seperate the bad from the good, but be aware of the bad.... okay, thats my mouthful... ta, mwah!

Answer 9

beautiful and diverse, with lots of problems (specifically our minister of health) but lots more potential. the most advanced constitution in the world, although it's taking some time for the law to be put into practice. big on freedom of speech, so that even those who still support the apartheid government get to have their say (as seen in some of the comments on this page). people are very friendly and welcoming, but avoid wearing flashy jewellery, dangling handbags, walking around at 2am in dodgy areas looking like you're lost, etc because there's still a lot of poverty and you could become a target for crime.

Answer 10

Redhead, drivers not that bad, guess you've never been to India or Latin America (or even the South of France)!!! At least drivers in RSA pull over for you on the highway if you want to overtake.

(I do wish they'd at least finish paving the major routes, though).

Answer 11

I think it is a beautiful country, beautiful beaches, fantastic wildlife, braai's, beautiful people, its just fabulous! My husband is from there, the only thing I would say is lots of crime, but I have never felt unsafe while there, despite my husband telling me to hold my handbag tight and remove all of my jewelry, which I did not do by the way!!! If you plan to visit, go for it, you will love it!