I'd love to go to South Africa, but am a bit worried that I'd get a hard time there?

Question

because I am black. Now I do now that there is a black govenment and that positive discrimination in favour of black people goes on in that country, but this is the problem I don't want to get involved in the politics, i just want to go for a holiday.

I have a few white South African friends who have told me that their families are having a hard time in the country [economically] and I just don't want my colour to be an issue when I'd just be a tourist.

I know that black people may [or may not] treat me ok but i am a bit worried about hostility from white SA's.
BTW It never occured to me there might be issues until a few SA's friends told me about the situation in the country...

"Belize" Wanted to go there as it sounds beautiful and I have already beent o three other African countries before. Two of them I did not like. Now I want to try somewhere else.

Answer 1

Forget it.

Its not safe for anybody, black of white and it's a racist society.

Answer 2

Many of my friends and family have been to Africa numerous times. They have told me that they treat many of the black people( tourist) like Africans- because they don't know you are a tourist some of the time. It depends on where you go in South Africa. The treatment isn't that bad in fact my sister and her boyfriend got items for cheaper (got the hook up) and were accepted to visit people in their homes in the villages. Would you be willing to go to another part of Africa? Why South Africa?- just wondering. But, I am sure you will have a good time. The media and America really talk about the negatives of Africa. From my understanding it it a VERY beautiful country . Every county has its bad places and people don't let that deter you.

Answer 3

Traveling anywhere in the world -including the States is a bit of a crap shoot !
I say if you want to see SA and you have friends there ---go for it ' BUT -mind your P's and Q's behave yourself ,use common sense about where you go and what you do.
Never, never let your passport out of your sight and keep your wits about you .Save the funny stuff for back home .
We can't allow fear to keep us at home all the time.Then we let the bad guys win > Know what I mean
Yes your friends may be having a hard time economically but what a fantastic occasion your visit would be for all of you . research and see what gifts you could bring and take them out to eat and buy gifts of food(locally) to help out.
The post office may be able to help you with a 'legal' list of things you can take or send ahead . ask first Africa has terrible taxes on some things .
Go Have fun with your friends What an experience !

Answer 4

Just go! I'm a white south african and have no problem with black people. I'd recommend going to Cape Town. It's a more tourist friendly place and it is very beautiful! I hope you go and have a great time!

Answer 5

I've had black south africans invite me to visit them in durban, so obviously they thought it would be worth my while. I'd definitely visit if I had the chance, and it would be a dream come true to go in 2010 and watch the world cup. (I'm black too).

Answer 6

I think everyone has a hard time in South Africa, there is so much violent crime against everyone, black or white

Answer 7

Puck in Hell mate .. you must be on a Death Wish..I lived there for 3 years ( Cape Town & Jo'Burge ) in that time i saw over 20+ shooting and was in 5 ..!! ..Whites Rule ....thats a Fact ... Blacks are still lower than Dogs.

Dont Go.... unless you have your own TANK to drive about in .
On a sour note,, my Boss shot 6 men for taking Orangies from his trees..! ..This i saw ..!!! The SAPD just said "File a report in the morning " .. he did this, but all he had to give was his name / address / and the reason for the shooting.... No Action Was Taken as the "Kaffers " were Stelling..! .. ( 2 Days later i left SA ..and im white )
Nuff Said