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Johannesburg?

post #1 of 5
10/7/04 at 12:03pm
Thread Starter 
Hi. In a few weeks, I'm being sent to Johannesburg on business for a few days and was interested in hearing from anyone who has been there. The tourist books are great and I have a few friends who grew up there, but I'll not just be downtown or in Houghton, but will be spending time in the townships, Soweto in particular and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. I'll have a driver and escorts as I've heard, frankly, crime is so ridiculously high that you simply can't go alone, but they say that about Los Angeles, so I'm wondering truth versus rumor.

Anyone know the ground-level scoop of Jo-burg?
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post #2 of 5
10/7/04 at 9:31pm
I'm sorry I can't help, but where the hell is Johannesburg anyway?
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post #3 of 5
10/7/04 at 10:47pm
My wife's job takes her to SA (Jo'burg and Capetown) for a few weeks a year, and she says you should believe the hype regarding crime. As with most places (including LA), if you are aware of your surroundings and don't take unnecessary risks you should be safe. However...

In the US some people spend tons to have their vehicles tricked-out with lights, low profile wheels, and other assorted cosmetic features. In South Africa the vehicles are retro-fitted (at even greater expense) with anti-hijack devices and defence apparatus. I know of a guy (my co-worker's brother-in-law) who has a device beneath the driver side door that he can activate to spray and then ignite flamable liquid on someone trying to break into his car. At least two of my wife's co-workers (in SA, obviously) have had family members murdered in their yards/homes by invaders. I'm talking about machette killings.

Check out the State Department website, or just do a web search for 'South Africa crime'. Scares the shit out of me every time she makes the trip.

Edited to wish you a safe, enjoyable trip, SJR.
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post #4 of 5
10/15/04 at 7:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by YeLLoWsAmUeL
I'm sorry I can't help, but where the hell is Johannesburg anyway?
South Africa
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post #5 of 5
10/17/04 at 12:20am
I worked with a guy once whose aunt was robbed there. Rather than wait for her to remove her rings they removed her fingers. At least she survived, not all are so lucky.

Watch your back, listen to your escorts & have a safe trip SJR.
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