15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)

Note: This article’s stats occur from third-celebration sources and do not signify the opinions of this internet site

South Africa is a vivid place with a deeply unpleasant and divided history. With eleven official languages, it is very clear that one dimensions does not in shape all below. Even though some of the place has skilled some civil unrest, are also a lot of stunning places to see and helpful faces to fulfill. Join us while we dissect 1 of the most outstanding and sophisticated nations the world has to offer you.

The 15 Safest Cities in South Africa

1. Cape Town, Western Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: HPBotha, Pixabay
Population: 4.7 million
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 767
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 16,314
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 85/151 (56.29%)

Cape City is a coastal metropolis that makes a primary illustration of the circumstance in South Africa. You could be seeking at the stats over and asking yourself how a city with a reasonably higher crime charge could make it to the best of this list.

Even though Cape Town’s challenged places could be responsible for a substantial criminal offense rate, foreigners are no far more specific than in any other city. If you physical exercise warning and adhere to particular locations, the town is equally safe and gorgeous. This city comes an wonderful cultural variety that is distinctly its possess, is still safe, and is undoubtedly really worth a go to.


2. George, Western Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Department of Correctional Services, George Western Cape (Image Credit: Discott via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Population: 160,000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 767
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 16,314
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 5/151 (3.31%)

George is a common location for vacationers. Like significantly of South Africa, it has witnessed a increase in crime more than the previous yr but remains one of the safest metropolitan areas in the country.

This metropolis lies on the scenic Yard Route – a stretch of coastal highway, towns and towns that operate alongside the southern coast.

This is one particular of the most secure and most picturesque locations of the country, with world class browsing, fishing, and residing. This medium sized town has been voted the greatest high quality of existence in South Africa, and is sister metropolis to Tacoma, WA.


3. Paarl, Western Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
NG Church, Paarl, Western Cape (Image Credit: A3alb via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Population: 110,000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 767
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 16,314
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 3/151 (1.99%)

One more place situated alongside the gorgeous Garden Route: Paarl is a really protected minor town that is identified for valuable, vacationer-friendly inhabitants. One of the excellent draws to this spot is the local weather, which is significantly like that of the Mediterranean, indicating that it is best for growing fruit, grapes and of program, fermenting wine.

If it’s tranquility, peace and natural attractiveness you find, Paarl might be a place to contemplate hanging your hat. Tourist cities like this make significantly of their dwelling by means of welcoming interactions with strangers, and that culture shines by way of creating an atmosphere that is inviting and safe.


4. Kimberley, Northern Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: Redkite, Pixabay
Population: 230, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 47
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 2515
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 6/91 (6.59%)

In among Cape Town and Johannesburg lies the prospecting town of Kimberley. The historical past of this town is synonymous with diamond mining and its biggest attraction is the aptly named ‘Big Hole’ – the world’s biggest hand dug pit. The town exists simply because of this pit in the floor, and it is extremely hard to notify the tale of one without having mentioning the other.

The Big Gap is instead symbolic. Now flooded, it has been transformed into a mining museum to educate people on the heritage of the pit and of the metropolis. Historically, there has been a large hole in the story that was taught, as particular unpleasantries are glossed above and idealistic interpretations are presented.

There have been endeavours currently to modify that, but the cultural ramifications that exist to this working day are dependable for considerably of the tensions that have boiled above into civil unrest in other provinces. Kimberley by itself is very safe – a wonderful tourist city full of historical past and museums, but there is something to be discovered from the hole which in some way appears to stand more than the city.


5. Upington, Northern Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: fivepointsix, Shutterstock
Population: 75, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 47
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 2515
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 3/91 (3.29%)

Nearer to the Northern border with Namibia lies the bustling metropolis of Upington. Even though Kimberley may possibly have observed the final of its booming days, this riverside city, coined the ‘Jewel of the North’, is viewing a modern-working day hurry. A massive solar electrical power increase is fueling prosperity in this city, which together with most of the Northern Cape, is one particular of the safest locations in the region.

Upington is at present a medium sized city, but it has an international airport and is increasing rapidly. The place there is more prosperity, there is also far more peace, and the crime rates in this city replicate that clearly. This town has it all – boutique buying, a day on the river, or off to the mall there is a lot to do. Unlike some bigger metropolitan places of South Africa, really small is off limitations.


6. Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape

Population: 24, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 47
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 2515
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 2/91 (2.19%)

If you drive East out of Upington for about 4 hrs, you will get to the city of Jan Kempdorp. This is but one more safe and wonderful town to explore in South Africa. Even though every single bit as risk-free and prosperous as Upington, this metropolis has a a lot more leisurely truly feel to it. Life slows down a little little bit and you will discover wineries and nature reserves, instead than espresso outlets and malls.

The tiny towns and villages in South Africa are usually significantly safer than the massive city facilities. The Northern Cape province is much and absent a single of the safest places to visit or reside in the region. There is no scarcity of places to see or men and women to meet. Whilst main metropolitan regions have a lot more than their honest share of trouble, vast swathes of South Africa continue to be very hospitable.


7. Kuruman, Northern Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
The Eye, Kuruman, Northern Cape (Image Credit: South African Tourism from South Africa via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)
Population: 13, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 47
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 2515
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 1/91 (1.09%)

This oasis of a town is one of the most tranquil places you will find in this country. The economic system right here thrives and there is quite tiny crime. Built about a natural spring acknowledged as the ‘Eye of Kuruman’. It is position on the principal route in between the most populous province in South Africa: Gauteng, and Namibia, has made it progressively well-liked to vacationers traveling the route.

Kuruman is identified by an additional title: ‘The Oasis of the Kalahari’. For these who want to stay near mother nature, Kuruman gives incredible Safaris, and draws its fair share of tourism. This area is extremely abundant in minerals and vitamins, which gasoline its principal industries of agriculture and mining. This is a gorgeous area and is certainly one particular of the most secure towns in South Africa.


8. Warrenton, Northern Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Bridge on Vaalrivier, Warrenton (Image Credit: Col André Kritzinger via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Population: 23, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 47
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 2515
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 1/91 (1.09%)

Warrenton is a small agricultural town, which lies alongside the fertile banking companies of the Vaal River. Like significantly of the province, it is a area exactly where lifestyle moves a tiny slower than in the massive metropolis and crime rates are low.

If you are seeking to put roots down in a multicultural group, you could do even worse than Warrenton. This area is best for these searching for a secure area to get in touch with other cultures and approaches of existence. Becoming a farming town, you won’t discover as numerous tourist sights as other metropolitan areas, but the sights of Kimberley are not considerably absent.

This is a place to satisfy and commit time with the men and women who reside listed here and work the land. It is a spot to experience them and understand their methods. Warrenton is a safe area to dwell and a working paradise for those who aren’t completely ready to gradual all the way down, just however.


9. Rustenburg, North West

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Old Anglican Church Rustenburg North West (Image Credit: PWDaffue via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Population: 555, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 127
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 4848
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 5/84 (5.95%)

A single of South Africa’s swiftest expanding towns is Rustenburg – once recognized as the city of relaxation, it is swiftly getting a new manage: the Platinum Metropolis. The explosive growth in the region is currently being fed by the platinum mining market. With all the growth, nevertheless, Rustenburg has but to see the issues that occur with urbanization.

Whilst North West has seen some increase in homicides and make contact with crimes over the previous calendar year, criminal offense charges in Rustenburg continue to be very minimal. North West is a province that is house to far more city populations than Northen Cape, so even though the prices are higher, statistically talking, this is one more a single the most secure areas in the region.


10. Mahikeng, North West

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Market in Mafikeng, North West (Image Credit: South African Tourism from South Africa via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)
Population: 290, 000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 127
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 4848
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 6/84 (7.14%)

A happy culture defines the metropolis of Mahikeng – which interprets to “the spot among the rocks”. Its black heritage is celebrated, its society wealthy, and its people welcoming. This city is 1 the only place in the place that pays homage to the black fighters of the Anglo-Boer wars with monuments and statues. Mahikeng or colloquially Mafikeng, is close to the Botswana border, and the cultural influences make this a area to expertise.

Criminal offense in this city is really lower. With its a lot of casinos, golf clubs, incredible wildlife and cultural reserves, this metropolis is 1 of the most lively, inviting, and crucial locations of the region.


11. Welkom, Free State

Population: 64,130
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 125
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 5140
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 9/110 (8.18%)

The small mining city of Welkom is not known for its amusement districts, but rather, its visitors circles. The “circle city” is a goldmine hub and will get its nickname from the prolific use of visitors circles in its really effective roadway technique. This peaceful city is a functioning town. Aside from gold, farming has become the driver of prosperity and it is mentioned to be simple to find a work.

Welkom is a stunning, thoroughly clean town the place the streets are well stored. Site visitors circles might not be the most thrilling issue a city could be recognized for, but in South Africa, uninteresting is greater. This sleepy, yet prosperous minor farming city has a very reduced criminal offense rate, indicating Welkom life up to its name.


12. Bloemfontein, Free State

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: Grobler du Preez, Shutterstock
Population: 578,000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 125
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 5140
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 15/110 (13.64%)

The funds of Totally free Condition, Bloemfontein is a main metropolis that retains a laidback truly feel. Its universities lend it the experience of being a pupil city. Currently being a appropriate city centre – there are a handful of neighborhoods where you may possibly not want to leave your vehicle at night time, but do not enable that give you the improper idea:

The criminal offense charge in Bloemfontein is still really minimal. With so significantly of the inhabitants produced up of learners, it has this special ambiance that could only exist in South Africa. Bloemfontein, with its laidback, landlocked truly feel, still offers the emotion of region residing, but with a twist of academia amidst a cultural mosaic.


13. Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: falco, Pixabay
Population: 967,677
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 640
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 9994
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 41/198 (20.71%)

Along the Indian Ocean, in the Bay of Algoa sits the stunning city of Port Elizabeth. This is a place of vivid lifestyle, lovely parks, and beautiful shorelines. As a port, it serves as the cultural and financial hub for the Eastern Cape province, and while it does appear with a marginally greater criminal offense fee, this city is nevertheless very considerably secure.

Port cities like this one particular typically arrive with a few trademark characteristics due to their function as cultural melting pots. Port Elizabeth is no exception. There are some neighborhoods that are wiser left unexplored, but on the flip facet, there are so many diverse cultures to encounter from African and Indian to European and English current, it would be disgrace to skip.

Total Port Elizabeth is a thoroughly clean, secure, and friendly metropolis. However its crime fee has absent up slightly with the relaxation of the region in the previous a long time, it is by no means a place to steer clear of.


14. Germiston, Gauteng

Population: 172,000
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 675
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 25,879
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 5/142 (3.52%)

The province of Gauteng has observed a massive spike in the quantity of homicides and contact crimes lately. The jailing of a former president caused riots that stretched from the coastal town of Durban, in Jap Cape, to the metropolis of Johannesburg and Pretoria. That doesn’t suggest that the total province is hazardous, however.

Germiston is an additional Gauteng metropolis that was started throughout South Africa’s gold hurry. It is hoe to the he Rand refinery – the biggest gold refinery in the place, and it is estimated that 70% of the world’s gold passes via.

Despite its proximity to other cities the place civil unrest has been an issue, Germiston metropolis continues to be secure and is a busy bustling place with lots to do and see.


15. Pretoria, Gauteng

15 Safest Cities in South Africa (2022 Update)
Image Credit: Arnold.Petersen, Shutterstock
Population: 2.74 million
Murders Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 675
Contact Crimes Committed in Province (April – June 2021): 25,879
Number of Police Stations (City/Province): 47/142 (33.1%)

Even though some of the 2021 riots and looting that plagued the neighboring town of Johannesburg did spill above into Pretoria, the tale is deeper than the stats.

Pretoria is recognized as Johannesburg’s laid-back cousin and provides nevertheless more of South Africa’s remarkable rainbow society. Even though the danger of civil unrest remains in the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province and metropolis of Johannesburg, Pretoria even now helps make the list as becoming a single of the most secure in the region.

Like any large metropolis, there are some neighborhoods you will want to miss out on, but the beautiful parks, folks, and lifestyle that this town gives, hold it firmly on our record.

How to Stay Safe in South Africa

As with travelling everywhere, you require to make certain the correct provisions are made to preserve you and your get together risk-free. Usually have a comprehensive prepare in location and do your investigation before likely anywhere. It pays to find a dependable guidebook – a personal referral is very best.

When travelling in South Africa adhere with who you know and be mindful about where you go.

Related Study: ten Most Harmful Cities in Africa

Conclusion

Even though South Africa is a nation that has seasoned its honest share of criminal offense and violence, it stays a single of the most extraordinary places one particular can stay or pay a visit to. With a little treatment in organizing and forethought, South Africa could be an wonderful and daily life shifting destination. It is a place of spectacular beauty, intricate cultural relationships, and awe-inspiring towns.

Sources

 


Highlighted Picture Credit: AFC2018, Pixabay

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