quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
RSA voted top person of the year

FIRST RUNNER-UP: DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE RAYMOND ZONDO

As then president Jacob Zuma so ironically proclaimed in his January 2018 statement on the establishment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, “There should be no area of corruption and culprit that should be spared the extent of this commission of inquiry.”

Over the past three years, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo seems to have taken Zuma’s words to heart in his role as chair of the commission. South Africans watched as witness after witness took the stand, their testimony slowly chipping away at the mystery surrounding State Capture. Mounting evidence saw the once “almost untouchable” Malusi Gigaba pushed to explain himself before the public, while Ace Magashule’s political power base was gradually eroded by allegations of corruption, as seen in Stephen Grootes’s analysis of the commission for Daily Maverick in August.

Arguably the most significant outcome of the Zondo Commission thus far has been the arrest of Zuma himself. In a Constitutional Court judgment handed down on 29 June, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for refusing to obey the court’s order to testify before the commission. The commission has given those involved in corruption something to fear – consequences. Whether reputation, political clout or even freedom, there is now something for leaders to lose when faced with evidence of their wrongdoing. It is no wonder, then, that Daily Maverick readers voted Zondo and the staff of the commission as second runner-up. Their critical work has laid the foundation for a more accountable and transparent state in South Africa. But it does not end with Zondo. A lot more work needs to be done. – By Tamsin Metelerkamp/DM168

Got to admit they are trying.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:

and here is the take from one of their own publications
murder

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Goodness, lots of emotion in this thread!

My 2c worth.(I have no commercial interest in the hunting world)

South Africa is a hugely complex country, I often explain it as an unhappy marriage between the 1st World and the 3rd World with the best of the 1st World and the worst of the 3rd World.
Statistics are not that easy to extrapolate, South African society is hugely fragmented, this is mostly a fragmentation divided between race or rather cultural groups and also socio-economically which is not so easily divided among racial lines as the black middle class is probably the biggest single group. The lower socio-economic class bears the brunt of the murder and rape stats.

My wife regularly drives on the highway at night returning from work, my kids often walk to school or the park unsupervised. In our open neighbourhood woman daily walk and jog on their own at dusk and dawn.
We both have handguns, we always sleep with at least one handgun on hand. When I leave the house I sometimes carry and sometimes not. I can't say that carrying makes me feel safer but definitely more in control of my destiny. I have spent a lot of my time in the black tribal areas, often on my own exploring in search of historical sites or natural phenomena of note, the most negative encounters that I have had can be described as indifference, usually a meeting is a friendly affair with a long chat about what I am doing there.

In my career I have completed my fair share of death certificates and legal forms, most assaults and murders are bar fights with a smattering of domestic violence. Gang violence is a huge problem in some areas.

The farm murders are deeply disturbing and often unfathomable in motive and the degree of cruelty. The sad fact is that our government don't see it as a priority crime. Don't underestimate the rural communities in
their willingness to look after their own and it is not uncommon for farm attacks to end badly for the attackers, many rural areas have the local community organised to monitor access to the area and respond to problems.

In my 17 years of marriage we have searched for sense for us in emigrating from South Africa many times. Many people leave and are happy, just as many leave and come back unable to find happiness in the USA, Canada, UK, Aus or New Zealand and a dozen other destinations.
Following the international news we'll sometimes joke that we are lucky to be stuck with Ramaphosa, we could have had Boris Johnson or Biden , we are also lucky not be in Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. With my lineage in the country since 1687 with a fair amount of blood spilt into the soil (most of that due to the British Empire, with the Zulus lagging badly in 2nd place), we haven't been able to identify the Utopia yet where we will be happier or more successful.

To put that all in perspective we are willing to watch our own backs, manage the fairly low risk of crime in our daily lives and don't expect anybody else to change our dirty diapers, my kids are getting a good education and they are growing up in a continent filled with possibilities for professional success if they are willing to work and create their own opportunities. They already know that this is no Social Democratic welfare state with free education, free medical care where you can go on the dole.

We have a politically inept party in government with a 1st World tax income to plunder, I am not excited that they will change in my lifetime. Africa is not ready for democracy and won't be for many lifetimes to come.

I wouldn't advise foreigners not previously exposed to the 3rd World to do a self drive trip in South Africa, they stick out as foreigners like a sore thumb and are not culturally attuned to the environment and it's signs.
On the other hand I think hunting here with any decent outfitter is a very safe.

South Africa is not a war zone, your choice how and if to visit.

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Goodness, lots of emotion in this thread!

My 2c worth.(I have no commercial interest in the hunting world)

South Africa is a hugely complex country, I often explain it as an unhappy marriage between the 1st World and the 3rd World with the best of the 1st World and the worst of the 3rd World.
Statistics are not that easy to extrapolate, South African society is hugely fragmented, this is mostly a fragmentation divided between race or rather cultural groups and also socio-economically which is not so easily divided among racial lines as the black middle class is probably the biggest single group. The lower socio-economic class bears the brunt of the murder and rape stats.

My wife regularly drives on the highway at night returning from work, my kids often walk to school or the park unsupervised. In our open neighbourhood woman daily walk and jog on their own at dusk and dawn.
We both have handguns, we always sleep with at least one handgun on hand. When I leave the house I sometimes carry and sometimes not. I can't say that carrying makes me feel safer but definitely more in control of my destiny. I have spent a lot of my time in the black tribal areas, often on my own exploring in search of historical sites or natural phenomena of note, the most negative encounters that I have had can be described as indifference, usually a meeting is a friendly affair with a long chat about what I am doing there.

In my career I have completed my fair share of death certificates and legal forms, most assaults and murders are bar fights with a smattering of domestic violence. Gang violence is a huge problem in some areas.

The farm murders are deeply disturbing and often unfathomable in motive and the degree of cruelty. The sad fact is that our government don't see it as a priority crime. Don't underestimate the rural communities in
their willingness to look after their own and it is not uncommon for farm attacks to end badly for the attackers, many rural areas have the local community organised to monitor access to the area and respond to problems.

In my 17 years of marriage we have searched for sense for us in emigrating from South Africa many times. Many people leave and are happy, just as many leave and come back unable to find happiness in the USA, Canada, UK, Aus or New Zealand and a dozen other destinations.
Following the international news we'll sometimes joke that we are lucky to be stuck with Ramaphosa, we could have had Boris Johnson or Biden , we are also lucky not be in Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. With my lineage in the country since 1687 with a fair amount of blood spilt into the soil (most of that due to the British Empire, with the Zulus lagging badly in 2nd place), we haven't been able to identify the Utopia yet where we will be happier or more successful.

To put that all in perspective we are willing to watch our own backs, manage the fairly low risk of crime in our daily lives and don't expect anybody else to change our dirty diapers, my kids are getting a good education and they are growing up in a continent filled with possibilities for professional success if they are willing to work and create their own opportunities. They already know that this is no Social Democratic welfare state with free education, free medical care where you can go on the dole.

We have a politically inept party in government with a 1st World tax income to plunder, I am not excited that they will change in my lifetime. Africa is not ready for democracy and won't be for many lifetimes to come.

I wouldn't advise foreigners not previously exposed to the 3rd World to do a self drive trip in South Africa, they stick out as foreigners like a sore thumb and are not culturally attuned to the environment and it's signs.
On the other hand I think hunting here with any decent outfitter is a very safe.

South Africa is not a war zone, your choice how and if to visit.

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

Understand it 100% Sir, all we are asking is lets just be a little softer on all the negatively around my country. 1000s of hunters come here first have a great time and then venture out.

not everybody can afford a 50k plus hunt so lets us be and give us a break we have being thru enough lately.

AR Was one of my greatest sources of information starting out many many years ago and is a great platform with lots of useful information. in the end we are all on the same side, and our one and only goal must be to protect our way of life no matter the way we chose to hunt shoot kill or what ever we want to call it, high fence low fence no fence we are all on the same side. Happy new year

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:
“All true.

Bottom line is we should be TRUTHFUL.

And not try to sugar it.

The man who had his cameras stolen had lunch with me today.

He said he has no problem going there again.

But his wife is refusing to go.

She was unaware of what was going in South Africa before, apparently several people she has mentioned the theft to have told her of the crimies in South Africa.

Now it has hit close to home, she is not having any of it.”


A camera got stolen, now his wife won’t come to South Africa again. :-))

My neighbours, a couple, in Germany got murdered when hiking in the forest. Lots of cars get stolen every day, plenty of burgleries, unrest, you name it. Stay away from Germany, it’s way too dangerous.
However the same happens all over the world.

As mentioned before I’m living in South Africa since 40 years, nothing ever happed to me, my family and friends. That’s not a guaranty that it won’t happen today or tonight.

In my opinion some people just shouldn’t travel, sissies are way safer when at home.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

Understand it 100% Sir, all we are asking is lets just be a little softer on all the negatively around my country. 1000s of hunters come here first have a great time and then venture out.

not everybody can afford a 50k plus hunt so lets us be and give us a break we have being thru enough lately.

AR Was one of my greatest sources of information starting out many many years ago and is a great platform with lots of useful information. in the end we are all on the same side, and our one and only goal must be to protect our way of life no matter the way we chose to hunt shoot kill or what ever we want to call it, high fence low fence no fence we are all on the same side. Happy new year

All true.

Bottom line is we should be TRUTHFUL.

And not try to sugar it.

The man who had his cameras stolen had lunch with me today.

He said he has no problem going there again.

But his wife is refusing to go.

She was unaware of what was going in South Africa before, apparently several people she has mentioned the theft to have told her of the crimies in South Africa.

Now it has hit close to home, she is not having any of it.

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

Understand it 100% Sir, all we are asking is lets just be a little softer on all the negatively around my country. 1000s of hunters come here first have a great time and then venture out.

not everybody can afford a 50k plus hunt so lets us be and give us a break we have being thru enough lately.

AR Was one of my greatest sources of information starting out many many years ago and is a great platform with lots of useful information. in the end we are all on the same side, and our one and only goal must be to protect our way of life no matter the way we chose to hunt shoot kill or what ever we want to call it, high fence low fence no fence we are all on the same side. Happy new year

All true.

Bottom line is we should be TRUTHFUL.

And not try to sugar it.

The man who had his cameras stolen had lunch with me today.

He said he has no problem going there again.

But his wife is refusing to go.

She was unaware of what was going in South Africa before, apparently several people she has mentioned the theft to have told her of the crimies in South Africa.

Now it has hit close to home, she is not having any of it.

With that attitude SHE WILL NOT TRAVEL MUCH...Good luck to her finding a crime free country....

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

Understand it 100% Sir, all we are asking is lets just be a little softer on all the negatively around my country. 1000s of hunters come here first have a great time and then venture out.

not everybody can afford a 50k plus hunt so lets us be and give us a break we have being thru enough lately.

AR Was one of my greatest sources of information starting out many many years ago and is a great platform with lots of useful information. in the end we are all on the same side, and our one and only goal must be to protect our way of life no matter the way we chose to hunt shoot kill or what ever we want to call it, high fence low fence no fence we are all on the same side. Happy new year

All true.

Bottom line is we should be TRUTHFUL.

And not try to sugar it.

The man who had his cameras stolen had lunch with me today.

He said he has no problem going there again.

But his wife is refusing to go.

She was unaware of what was going in South Africa before, apparently several people she has mentioned the theft to have told her of the crimies in South Africa.

Now it has hit close to home, she is not having any of it.

With that attitude SHE WILL NOT TRAVEL MUCH...Good luck to her finding a crime free country....

She is living in one!

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by INTREPID SAFARIS:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Oh and one more thing closer to home: Game farmers are culling or capturing their game and reverting back to cattle, due to a dearth of hunting clients.

Name three?

.

Very sad to hear this.

But I can guarantee you COVID has nothing to do with this.

Get rid of all the silly crimes, and people will come.

I get a number of hunters here who do hunt all over Africa.

South Africa is the only one some talk about avoiding.

Few months ago one had his car broken into - daytime, while at his supposedly guarded compound - and his camera bag was stolen.

I know, he should not have left it in the car, but he did, as he would in any half decently safe place.

have you heard of that old saying?

Build a better mouse trap, and people will buy it?

People don't want one that chops their fingers off.

Saeed I can guarantee you South Africa is in the top 3 countries in the world visited by hunters... on a number of hunters per year basis... expect some of your friends maybe

Philip,

I am sure you are right.

And I do hope lots of hunters go to hunt there.

The couple of times I hunted there we all had a fantastic time.

We went as guests, and left with many friends.

Sadly, for me at least, I have limited time that I can devote to hunting.

And that time I prefer to pend in spend in a real wild area.

Avoiding Johannesburg is a bonus.

Understand it 100% Sir, all we are asking is lets just be a little softer on all the negatively around my country. 1000s of hunters come here first have a great time and then venture out.

not everybody can afford a 50k plus hunt so lets us be and give us a break we have being thru enough lately.

AR Was one of my greatest sources of information starting out many many years ago and is a great platform with lots of useful information. in the end we are all on the same side, and our one and only goal must be to protect our way of life no matter the way we chose to hunt shoot kill or what ever we want to call it, high fence low fence no fence we are all on the same side. Happy new year

All true.

Bottom line is we should be TRUTHFUL.

And not try to sugar it.

The man who had his cameras stolen had lunch with me today.

He said he has no problem going there again.

But his wife is refusing to go.

She was unaware of what was going in South Africa before, apparently several people she has mentioned the theft to have told her of the crimies in South Africa.

Now it has hit close to home, she is not having any of it.

With that attitude SHE WILL NOT TRAVEL MUCH...Good luck to her finding a crime free country....

She is living in one!

Great just keep the Guptas their for a while...WITH THEM Gone RSA is already a better place...

quote:

Originally posted by Snav:
Very well said Balule. Calm, very articulate response.

My only addition with regard to the farm attacks, is to say that I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time at many game farms and meet many game farmers and unfortunately seen the dark side and how some of these people treat their workers. Definitely not all but the bad ones were particularly bad. And I think that some of these heinous attacks can be attributed to how farm workers are treated.

I have to say I certainly would not let someone treat me like that.

quote:

Great just keep the Guptas their for a while...WITH THEM Gone RSA is already a better place...

quote:

Now that one is behind bars and the others are in hiding has the corruption and bribery stopped?

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
I love it when people come with the gotcha questions
save your gotchas for someone else

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338: Be it South Africa or California the security at parking is not a guarantee that your vehicle will be safe and not broken into. This be restaurants, bars, sporting events, hotels/motels. What I have learned about the extra security is that this is a high crime area, so be alert and guided on if you really need to go there. If you do you need to take extra precautions.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:
Every country has better places than others in which to live, travel.

So South Africa is no different than California, both have gated areas with security. There is still crime in these areas, even with the standard security. South Africa has about 60 million population, California has about 30 million population.

Is there area in each country that I would not want to travel or visit! That is a no brainer, you bet there are areas that I would stay away from. Does that keep me from not traveling to visit friends in California or South Africa. No, it does not from traveling and visiting. A person has to use a little good judgement on what part of the cities you need to stay clear of.

Compare:

Joberg VS Las Angles.
Durban VS San Francisco
Cape Town VS Oakland

The list could go on.

The thing is crime happens near or at the airports in these cities!
There are areas in all the above cities that you need to avoid so that you are not a victim of crime.

What our African friends have put forth is that they do not put their clients in harms way. That would not be good for business.
My California friends have not put me in harms way when I visit them. We cover areas to stay at and areas to avoid.

Things are always changing, and nothing stays the same, it is either getting better or going the other way.

For Saeed to dwell on past experiences, that is not being fair to the South African group, that is old news. From Saeed posts, Some of his friends are not well traveled and appear or come off as being very foolish.

Every motel that I have stayed at has signs that you need to put your valuables in a safe place. Do not leave them in your vehicle. What you leave in your vehicle is something that you can live or do without if it is taken.

Be it South Africa or California the security at parking is not a guarantee that your vehicle will be safe and not broken into. This be restaurants, bars, sporting events, hotels/motels. What I have learned about the extra security is that this is a high crime area, so be alert and guided on if you really need to go there. If you do you need to take extra precautions.

I just selected California for my example, I could have used: Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon, Texas, Kansas, Arizona, Louisiana, Washington or a few other states that I have worked in my career. The thing is is that they all have areas that you need to be very careful when working or traveling in the larger cities.

While there is some crime in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, I remember that you did not need to lock your vehicle at motels or going into small town cafes to eat. These states combined do not come close to the crime in California.