Is Johannesburg South Africa Safe?

[@michaelthompson4418]

Thanks again for dispelling the constant bombarding that Johannesburg is SOOO! dangerous. My 29-year-old daughter just had a conversation with a white young man from London who had visited SA recently, so with excitement she informed him of our upcoming move to Johannesburg, she said without hesitation he started telling her how dangerous Joburg was even though he later admitted that he had only visited Cape town. She has watched your videos as well as the Blantons, Asad and Adrian, Asha and so much content from African Americans that have visited and are currently in Joburg. He apologized and said that he was only repeating what he had been told. So, thanks again.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

You're welcome and thank you for your comment.

[@akiva4044]

Pretoria is better in my opinion especially if you come from North America.

[@chopwet]

Johannesburg is dangerous. Try taking public transport into Diepsloot and walking around there by yourself at night and then come and tell us about your experiences. I think it's unfair to mislead people about the realities to SA life for the vast majority of the people that live there. It is a very extreme lived experience for most people in SA. Of course if you visit or life there temporarily and you have a decent amount of money then you will never have to deal with the realities but please don't be blind.

[@SuperFoodParents]

People always think everywhere else is unsafe and they hardly consider the area or their awareness or their mindset. Glad to hear you enjoyed Joburg; I have friends in Midrin 🇿🇦

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Mindset is everything. Thank you Blind Guy & Your Wife

[@clmk28]

Johannesburg is an incredible place. If you have the luck to live there you will end up falling in love with it.I did my masters in Johannesburg and lived there a few years afterward and it was a wonderful experience. I never experienced any crime throughout that time.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Lamij for your comment. I agree with you in so many ways.

[@gibson2675]

Just watching the BBC news and they have just described SA as one of the most violent countries in the world.

[@vienicestyles6122]

You’re an inspiration to those of us considering relocating outside Amerikkka. 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m honored to share. Thank you for your comment Vienice.

[@vienicestyles6122]

@@AshleyinAfrika You’re welcome 😉 😇 ☺️

[@Peace2dagawdz]

"Amerikkka" 🤭

[@Bellissimo653]

There was always an area in CBD where you would't dare to visit, and there was always and actually a large section of the city where you would visit and not having to worry about being a victim of crime. But, there is some dynamic improvements of the CBD in general now, visible policing, cleanliness, etc.

[@williamwebbs1952]

I'm a strong believer that whatever energy you give off is what you will receive back 💯

[@AshleyinAfrika]

As am I. Very strong. Thank you William for your comments and support.

[@tyrahoytt7264]

Thank you for sharing Ashley, it is appreciated. 😎🤩

[@AshleyinAfrika]

You are so welcome!

[@nevertrustsonofman.kingjam5233]

TANZANIA 🇹🇿 MAY NOT BE HIP, BUT IT'S SAFER FOR YOU AND 😉 THE KIDS.

[@barbararobinson7022]

Barbara. Born in RSA. N TVL Potgieters rust. ! Grand father Missionary . Love Africa! School in Pietermaritzburg.

[@tozamilefunani]

Let’s not defend the indefensible I’m a South African; Jo’burg crime is high and it’s high time our communities and political leadership understands how much we are losing because of crime…

[@thamzafaniso]

Yes it is so is every other city. BTW you are likely to die in CPT due to crime that in JHB.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m not defending Tozamile. I’m sharing my experience. Thank you for sharing yours. I appreciate it.

[@zusibone]

Tozamile you can address crime strategically without exxagerating the existence of crime. I live here in Johannesburg since my first year at Wits University many moons ago. What I detest the most is a complete fallacy that Johannesburg is a jungle. You Sir nawe unalento yoba negative nokubaxa. Zama uthothisa isibaxo. Also use verified information and make correct comparisons.

[@clementmpushe5957]

@@zusibone Probably not South African either. Some use South African names for their sinister trojan horse enterprize. Its jealousy of the worst kind ! South Africa continued to have over 9 million foreign visitors per year before covid despite their pungent negative proclamations. How do you say South Africa is not safe when you've not experienced negative safety issues ? Now they are trying to beat Ashley down to say it's not safe when she's already made it clear that she's talking about her own experience and people close to her. Basically you can't win !!!

[@mkdempisi]

There is crime in Joburg but looks like it is overrated, for a person who has never been there will feel like we just 5 million zombies waiting to attack

[@nevertrustsonofman.kingjam5233]

LOOKING SHINY BRIGHT 🌞.

[@MOOOOS]

But You do make a good point Regarding paying attention to Your surrounding. great point

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Absolutely

[@femi2438]

Hey Ashley, I found your channel through Stephanie Perry and Shida. I enjoy your content, think you’re fabulous and look forward to seeing more from you 💞 I spent 2.5 months in Johannesburg earlier this year. As much as I love Joburg, I must admit that of all the places I’ve been (50 countries now), it’s unfortunately where I’ve had the most safety concerns, hands down. 😓 From the property I was staying in (gated, alarmed villa in Rosebank) being broken into; to being flashed in broad daylight; to being scared of having my phone out to look at Google Maps while taking walks in Sandton/Rosebank, the list goes on. I would write off my experiences as unlucky, but honestly, so many of my friends who live or have lived in Johannesburg have stories of being mugged/robbed/whatever else. With all of that being said, I still think Joburg has a lot of wonderful things to offer, and it’s still very much on my list of places to live long term. I agree it all boils down to experience and being cautious like you said. Edit: For viewers thinking of visiting Joburg, please be careful and do not dismiss safety concerns in Johannesburg as bad media like I did prior to going there.

[@lozi4163]

were you from?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing your experience Femi and welcome! I agree with you. It’s important to have awareness wherever we are as foreigners. While I am not dismissing the presence of crime, I am sharing my experiences thus far-which have been lovely and absent of any crime against me or anyone on my immediate community. I empathize with your experience and I’m happy to hear that you are still considering Johannesburg despite them all. Thanks again for adding so much value to the community.

[@kelseymandisa]

I’m from and live in Atlanta and I will be in South Africa at the end of the year. From what I see people will be fine if they use common sense and have self awareness which is the norm. I have never traveled out the country alone but I’ve definitely moved about the city alone including took Ubers alone and was fine. This video just confirmed what I’ve been feeling. I’ve been wanting to visit South Africa for years but just never really made it a priority until this year. As soon as I tell people, some were like why I “heard” it’s a lot of crime. My response is always, it’s crime everywhere but you still go places without hesitation. Especially in Atlanta where you can get robbed, shot in the mall or as an innocent bystander being somewhere at the wrong place and time, carjacked not to mention your car windows burst out in 5 minutes that now some people leave their windows down and doors unlocked. 🤦🏾‍♀️ Crime is everywhere.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Exactly Sis. Atlanta is wiiiiild. You’re going to love South African! Im so happy to hear that you’re on the way Kelsey. Your life will never be the same. Thank you for sharing your perspective ❤️

[@gotellthatfoxapologetics]

Have you a South African family? Mandisa is such a common ladies' name here

[@kelseymandisa]

@@gotellthatfoxapologetics no I don’t. My dad named me Mandisa. I’m not sure where he heard or saw the name but I always knew it was a Xhosa name. ❤️

[@kelseymandisa]

@@AshleyinAfrika I’m so excited to go and I’m literally counting down the days! I’m going to be really sad when my trip is over cause America is ghetto and I KNOW I’m not going to want to come back 😩🤦🏾‍♀️🤣.

[@sothokazi5460]

Thank you once again Ashley for your lovely content on this beautiful country of the African continent. I think what's important, even for South African citizens, and more especially for visitors, tourists, and persons of the Diaspora who are making this beautiful country their new home or home-away-from home, is the need to exercise vigilance AT ALL TIMES. When walking out and about on the streets, as a woman, carry your handbag close to your body with all your handbag zips and pockets closed. This applies whether you are in the Shopping Malls or out about on the street. Keep an eye on your cellphone and use it cautiously especially when you are out and about in the streets. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas. If you are driving your own car, keep your handbag and cellphones out of sight, as far as is possible, of persons who might want to straddle the streets in between cars to peep into your car. It's important to exercise safety and vigilance wherever in the world one may be really.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Sothokazi. Well said.

[@vendamusicfame9546]

That's true you must be careful

[@AWBATC]

If you are looking for a perfect place as far as safety you will never find it what they need to ask you is America safe.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Exactly. Thank you for your comment Antonio.

[@tmash509]

Hi Ashley, your beauty is mesmerizing.

[@abdulkareemchande7204]

Welcome back home 🇹🇿🇹🇿

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Asante 💛

[@pampamcreamofthecrop1035]

Hey, Ashley. Next time you back please give me a shout. You don’t have to travel solo. I’m here. I also love travelling. Pamela 🔥🔥💞💞

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Pamela. I won't forget next time.

[@blessjoy]

It depends on where you are. Joburg CBD is no joke, Alex is no joke, Vereeniging is no joke etc. People must not be naive when coming here, be alert and pay attention.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing your perspective

[@MOOOOS]

Wooow You went to a lot of places Hey You have that divine favor as well So 😊

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Yes, thank you

[@jahhloveyou4462]

Bravo your your back in good place

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Always 😊

[@NegraBendita]

Hello Ashley, new subscriber here! Thanks for the video, I've just found your channel yesterday. Can you do a video about the cost of living in Johannesburg?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thanks so much for subscribing. Welcome!! The Johannesburg cost of living video is coming later this year once I’m settled in, I would be honored to share.

[@NegraBendita]

@@AshleyinAfrika Great! Looking forward to it! :-)

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

Yes,I agreed with you everything you said!

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m glad it resonated with you. Thanks for your comment Theo

[@Chez114]

I live in Cape Town where we provide boarding for foreign students and on day one, he was scammed out of €1000 at an ATM (money machine). Bad stuff happens in many major cities and no matter where you are you can't assume you can drop your guard

[@AshleyinAfrika]

No assumptions were made. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

[@Chez114]

@@AshleyinAfrika No, I'm sorry if I came across as though I was accusing you of assumptions. Perhaps I didn't word it properly. I meant that so many assume that Jo'burg is dangerous and Cape Town is safe. I liked that you formed your own opinion based on your experience. I meant to say that any place can be dangerous if you let your guard down at the wrong time

[@Peace2dagawdz]

The ATM scammed him or there was an actual scammer present?

[@africanqueen1giselle642]

I hope we will have the same experiences

[@yahosephbenyisrael917]

Hey Queen Ashley

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Hello Yahoseph. Thanks for liking the video 😊

[@203publicenemy]

My partner and I just came from a month long visit to Cape Town. It was our first time in the continent of Africa and the experience was beautiful but very eye opening. Keep in mind apartheid officially ended 18 years ago. So the city (Cape Town) is very segregated. Seeing a township for the first time was devastating, half because 90 percent of people that live in them are black and colored, the other half because they don’t have electricity, running water and some don’t even have bathrooms in their homes. Then to see how the Afrikaner’s are living lavishly in multi million rand homes just didn’t sit well with me. From what I read, while I was there, on a government forum, they do have a 2030 plan to give back land to the natives (blacks) and attempt to balance the wealth disparity as a result of apartheid. Of course I was only a visitor there, and I have heard about these issues in South Africa beforehand. However, seeing it was just something I don’t think I could have ever been ready for. In regards to the crime, keep in mind $1 is R15. While I was in CT almost everyone (including locals) that I talked to said they have been robbed at least once. One girl that I met from NY who had moved to CT from Joburg said she had been robbed 4 times in the 3 years she had been in SA. I have been to 46 states in the USA, Canada, Mexico, a few counties in Asia and currently touring Europe. The most “dangerous” place I have lived was Tijuana Mexico and I felt safer on the streets there at night than I did in Cape Town. I am not trying to discourage anyone from going to Cape Town because it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. However, if you go make sure to Uber everywhere and if you can, carry some type of weapon that you can easily access if you need to. The tourists stuff is pretty safe but if you plan on hanging with the locals in the city just please understand it is NOTHING like the US. Don’t be deceived by anyone telling you that. Safe travels 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🇿🇦🇿🇦 Also! LOAD SHEDDING (scheduled power outages for 2-8 hours a day) is a huge thing there. If you plan on visiting download the Eskom app so you know what time your area is scheduled.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing your perspective

[@palesamogorosi8939]

@Nicolas B. Henry no, it's not because of digital nomads necessarily. Let's not be ignorant. It's segregated due to the Apartheid spatial planning and racism. Ever heard of Group Areas Act? Perhaps a little education about our past would help you. Be truthful.

[@phillipmtshweni9216]

I was born in the Gauteng Province I spent my whole 40 years living there, when I got the job I Joburg many years ago I was commuting on a daily basis, and would get in the taxi rank in the very hours of the morning even on weekend, not even once have I been mugged, infact I have never been mugged my entire life, never!

[@timmabotha4596]

Good day Ash

[@briankirkhunte6845]

Is Chicago, Illinois safe? It depends where in Chicago you will stay.

[@andilemabengu6314]

Hi Ashely I don't know why my KZbin don't inform me when you add a content, anyway thanks about this content lovely.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m glad you found it either way. Thank you so much for your comment and for your support Andile

[@fly_n2073]

I grew up in Johannesburg and I can tell you it’s not safe everywhere even in the rich neighbourhoods. I am currently in London and I don’t think I can live there again and will consider any other African country. You just have to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings. I almost lost my life in attempted hijacking, had multiple breakings in parents home and I seen people lose lives because of Xenophobia and still ongoing. I know colleagues who were hijacked or had family members lose their lives from a robbery. I didn’t know I had PTSD until I lived somewhere where I didn’t even have to lock my home or car. In SA I was constantly looking over my shoulder when I drove and would witness people get hijacked in peek traffic. And needed to be home a certain time just to be cautious. I say it’s not safe but just be cautious wherever you are and don’t carry lots of cash and valuables.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@valentineisraelshabangu4069]

You know ppl when they go to London their perspective change as if London is safe when there's so much killings wrapped under the carpet yea Joburg is dangerous but you are now over exxagerating. Just stay in London and look at the latest crime statistics from across the world Joburg is not even on top 10.

[@jamesbedugraham8056]

Wherever you are stay at home by 6PM or 7 PM.

[@sonofsoweto]

Johannesburg is a great place, but it can be dangerous. It is a lot more dangerous than most cities in Africa. I am from Soweto, and I lived in Kampala, Brazzaville, and Accra and I never heard of people being stabbed, shot etc... people only spoke of pickpockets ad crimes.

[@neonhlonze7118]

If you are from the South side of Chicago then Johannesburg is safe for you ..

[@AshleyinAfrika]

…or the south side of Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Miami, New York…shall I continue??

[@clementmpushe5957]

For your own information i hope this is not gonna be painful to you, South Africa has more than 250 000 american citizens, several thousands of them live in Joburg and they are safe and are living their best life and I don't think they are all from the South side of Chicago either

[@randomdude8921]

@@AshleyinAfrika currently in Broward next to Miami little kids die from drive bys every other day!

[@nicholaschiliza1692]

Ashley, Johannesburg is NOT safe at all, especially the city centre. PLEASE DO NOT be too comfortable. I was born and raised in JHB. Please take it from me.

[@spoton8660]

Your content is interesting. You speak about South Africa and Tanzania sitting in a chair, instead of actually showing the city, people and amenities.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Yes, I do. Thank you for your comment.

[@NegraBendita]

She puts "Vlog" in the title of videos that are vlogs.

[@clementmpushe5957]

Once you put "instead" in your comment you might as well go and do it yourself. That will save you from being seen as an armchair critic and easily be mistaken as a narcissist.

[@nomfunekonosilela3895]

If you don't believe her you can take a trip there to see for yourself. She already mentioned on one of her videos that she is not very comfortable with vlogging. I personally like her content coz it gives people something to process and think about.

[@lstoryrecords_]

You weren't in Alexander though 🙈🙈 or hillbrow though 🧐🤣🤣🤣 ..thing is I was in joburg last year and loved it though I heard this alot and so I was hyper aware but at the end I realise I didn't need to be as hyper aware as some people made it and so it's subjective

[@AshleyinAfrika]

No, I wasn’t, but to your point being ‘hyper aware’ is likely unnecessary. Thank you for your comment James.

[@lstoryrecords_]

@@AshleyinAfrika I would have to disagree with you on that given the stories I was hearing. I'm not American I'm British Congolese with family that live in SA and diaspora Congolese based in SA I have contact with and for foreign African nationals there are sufficient horror story events and incidents that have happened and happen to people FOR REAL. On the other hand people like yourself and myself (black British/black Americans) when in SA there's an intrigue and better treatment we may get due to coming from privileged countries. This is not to say that anything you are saying is invalid because gracefully I came out unscathed, God (for those who believe) was with me and I'm discerning enough and perceptive when I move around anywhere for the most part. I'm consumed and invested in SA personally so I'll be I'd be okay but genuinely speaking many foreign African nationals have horror stories or baaad experiences. I can't say for yourself but my British black experience of life which is hybrid fluid in interacting well across numerous black groups we have here from the carribean and Africa and how much safer UK is in general in my opinion enabled me to go to alot of places in joburg freely while some people in sandton if you mention soweto are like 'Soweto 🙈' like it's the end of the world when it's not necessarily that deep.

[@lstoryrecords_]

@@AshleyinAfrika the black American or black British experience alot of the Times can and would be very different to a black person visiting from another country in the continent. Not to say all African nationals have to worry or be wary just because which I don't think is the case but they may move and operate more carefully than we might but it's all nuance and relatively subjective depending on different variations of people..just my piece..humbly..respect

[@AustineAK]

@@lstoryrecords_ as expected, you are congolese

[@lstoryrecords_]

@@AustineAK how do you mean?😂🤔

[@DC_831]

I'll be in Johannesburg in three days

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Enjoy it!

[@DC_831]

@@AshleyinAfrika I will im also going to Lesotho

[@taharka3897]

How can someone from America ask if another country is safe. Especially AA. Hear in America we as black people live in constant fear, doesn't matter what neighborhood you live in. We have to deal police, gangs, WS, the courts and judges gentrification and the banks. Driving while black, walking while black, cooking while black kids selling water while black, should I go on I think not. Give me south africa any day.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Taharka. My point exactly.

[@M-zg2sg]

You live in constant fear because you CHOOSE to. Don't put all so called black people in America in the same boat.

[@007thematrix007]

she answers @ 2:39

[@SharifMustafa]

Judging by hearsays and media stories obviously south Africa is gonna feel unsafe. Personally i was in Durban at moses mabhida stadium during the 2010 world cup, everything looked calm and alright to me i also have friends and relatives who have been living and doing business there for many years without any issues. There's always elements of crime and insecurity in every society but that shouldn't be a reason not to travel and experience the world.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Precisely

[@liveinwisdom3610]

"Safety" is subjective and usually overrated. The likelihood of you losing your life is very unlikely. 99% of death's occur in gang zones. If you have common sense, you will be fine in 99.9% of countries (YES even in SYRIA). Most people that fear monger, have never left their neighbourhood. Born and bred in Cape Town, for 27 years, never felt like my life was ever threatened.

[@jamesmurag863]

Can you vlog with an iPhone in Johannesburg CBD?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m sure you can

[@MOOOOS]

For anyone that missed it- Let me say it again, #AllRoadsLead2SubSaharan 🇿🇦 #KickOffWas2020

[@Onedon29]

You're Beautiful ❤️.

[@Thabothelediturner]

Where the is money expect crime but you will be safe that i know

[@kbschutz]

Thank you for your contant OK y'all Roro boats for your Box trucks. Wings of an eagle plan and simple. Shalom. Pre pare as in the days of Noah. Pre pare.

[@imanathimlunguzi4886]

I'm in South Africa.all is well and safe.And 4 those looking a 100 % safe place i would like to advise them to go to heaven, because they will never find any place like that here on Earth.thats how it is.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

They can go to a heaven 😂😭😭😭 Thank you for your comment Imanathi

[@derekmarkovic]

Sad to say, but, for a variety of reasons, Africa will never be a safe, prosperous, thriving place.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thanks for sharing

[@lindaafrica1043]

Crime rate is high, my close friend's brother was shot dead just two months ago at a garage in Johannesburg really really sad

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I’m sorry to hear about your close friends brother. Sharing love with them and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

[@Tiy11]

You are in South Afrika was there a killing of 14 people want to know if real or not

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I don’t understand your question Nova G

[@Tiy11]

@@AshleyinAfrika They have on KZbin that 14 people got murdered and some injured

[@Tiy11]

In Afrika

[@Tiy11]

@@AshleyinAfrika I asked because they lie so much here I don’t want to feed their lies that’s y I asked

[@refiloe6526]

​@@Tiy11 yes, 14 people died in at a Tarven/Bar possibly after an altercation. They were drinking beer and those were probably gang members. it was not a random shooting in the street. But then again, rival gangs shoot one another everywhere, whether your in Brazil, Thailand, US, Mexico etc.

[@chopwet]

I think you actually need to live in SA for several years before you can truly start to generalise, it's especially misleading to generalise about the entire country based on a very selective sampling of some of the nicest areas in the country. It's not quite the same when you pop in and out of SA and only stay there uninterrupted for relatively brief periods of time. The more time you spend and the more you are exposed you will soon learn the truth. SA is an extremely violent country, that is a hard fact. Spending time in very touristy areas of some some main cities (such as all the places you list in Joburg and Durban areas) often means the truth is hidden. Look at the homicide numbers and extrapolate from that to really understand the amount of crime and violent crime in particular. To give people a true picture consider the fact that SA has around 20'0000 homicides a year and the population is 60 million, the USA has a population of 350 million and has around 21'000 homicides a year. The most violent cities in the USA orders of magnitude fewer homicides compared to Joburg and Cape Town (2'500 and 2'900 homicides per year), Philly has fewer than 700 and Atlanta fewer than 200 homicides per year. Now consider the fact that homicides are an indicator for other crimes which are grossly underreported and extrapolate from that.

[@magloresaleh3992]

You exactly look like indigenous South African women Zulu per say that’s why you blinded in easy

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Do I?! The connection I feel in SA is pretty unexplainable. 😊

[@magloresaleh3992]

I was there last November Cape Town and I loved it so much , Just like I haven’t experienced anything negative at all

[@zusibone]

In South Africa you do look like any of our ladies. Can be Tswana, Zulu, Swati, Ndebele or Xhosa. The semblance is striking. I guess for a reality check for all of us. We come from one place in history. melanated peoples of the world are one.

[@meganosm5342]

If it's safe for you then take crates off the windows😂