Violence in South Africa

Stereo_Mike, As someone who lived in SA (Cape Town) and who visits often I can say that CT is very safe if you follow simple rules.

 First of all you have a cousin there, which is a great asset as he/she can tell you where to go and where is safe. Second out of all the places CT is the safest, and is a great tourist place as well as being a wonderful place for a holiday.

Basic rules:

1) when in your car - yeah lock the doors etc and always pay those guys who "watch" your car while you park it - they are essentially guards who have their own turf and expect a few rands so no one will steal you car while you shop/eat etc - but generally they are good to have on your side

2) don't walk late at night  especially not in the city and not on the beachfront - not safe and not recommended - unless you are with locals who know what they are doing

3) Don't do anything you wouldn't do in any inner city as such - i.e. think you are in a big city and behave in the same manner.

Again - don't worry great city, great country and just be sensible

Your cousin is mostly right, there is nothing to worry about.    The Western Cape is the safest region of the country.  

Over the past months Cape Town has had problems with the warring "taxi" drivers which are not taxi drivers in the traditional sense that you are accustomed to.  These are mini-vans used mostly for transportation of workers from the townships to and from the city.  You are unlikely as a tourist to set foot in a taxi or bakkie as such, so even if those guys are shooting each other you're unlikely to be in the vicinity.  There was a strike several months back by the security guards, which can create problems but I believe that's been addressed now.

Casual visitors are fine.  There is a danger if you have some affluence and you stay for longer periods of time as you can be watched and profiled as a target, and then robbed.  Cell phone and camera grabs do happen, so follow your standard protocol for travel in emerging markets and don't be flashy.

You can definitely go outside at night.  You are unlikely to be in a very bad area if your friend lives in Cape Town.    In secure areas you're pretty well covered by the security detail.  For example the waterfront, any major hotel or restaurant and you'll be fine.  

Crime expo is a site to expose the extent of crime in South Africa as an attempt to get the ANC government to step up and start to address the proliferation of crime.

 A friend of mine and his fiancee were nearly killed in a vacation area of Kwazulu Natal, which in another area entirely, during a robbery.   There is senseless violence in the country and leadership is required to reverse the trend.

 It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world and Cape Town is great.  A few bad apples make it sound worse than it is, the people are actually incredible there.
 Your cousin will know Cape Town inside and out and be able to steer your clear of any problems.

yes there is violence in South Africa. The trick is to manage it. Do not walk at night, and lock all car doors when you drive. Cape Town is better then Johannesburg in this respect,

Otherwise, there is no need to be paranoic, just be sensible. Millions of people live there and nothing happens to them. I lived in S. Africa 23 years and I visit there often.

Cape Town is the most beautiful city in teh world, so enjoy your visit.

Rgds

Yes, there is Violence in South Africa, as there is in most other countries in the world.  The trick is to use common sense and do some research on South Africa.

Cape Town in the Western Cape is one of the safest regions in the country.

I suggest you have a look at the following: Cape Town Safety Advice