People who have spent extended time in South Africa

[Simbad]

What was it like? Are people constantly on edge due to safety issues?

Is it possible to live a normal life by just "staying in the good bits" and not wearing flashy stuff?

I'm not considering moving at all, but I'd love to visit Cape Town on holiday.

Sadly all too true. I lived there for over a decade, caught public transport including into the township, and never felt unsafe. I was not on an ex-pat salary so drove an old and cheap car, when I was out and about for work I was known to be part of the NGO I worked for, and had protection from the community because the NGO was known and valued.

It is a gorgeous part of the world, and I treasure the time I had there. My friends from that time in my life are largely from the township community where I worked and the mixed (too cheap for white South Africans) community where I lived.

It changed my perspective in so many ways, the warmth and sense of community. But what would be minor issues here - a bag snatched, scary and unpleasant but nothing further - rapidly become violent. I stopped going to a pleasant walk in a suburban green area when a girl out with her family was raped and murdered after jogging ahead for a couple of minutes.

DD went back for a long visit last summer, and came back being glad she doesn't live there any more. Very happy to reconnect with people from all walks of life, and visit many different communities. But values the diversity and safety of yhe UK.

It is very sad

I've holidayed in cape town last year and it was fantastic, we used taxis everywhere and stuck to the touristy bits, everyone was sooo friendly to us (white brits), ridiculously hospitable. Not a moment of negativity.

I wouldnt want to live there though as I'd have to drive and the roads are crazy and i wouldnt be able to walk anywhere.

What month did you go?

August