The NOT so good things about South Africa | American in Johannesburg

[@donmeow]

I think the issues you raised are valid & fair. It shouldn't be a surprise that the air quality in Gauteng province is terrible. It is the smallest province but has the highest population concentration.If you go into the poorer areas you find they use paraffin, coal or wood to cook. Then you add the fact that most of the manufacturing within SA takes place in Gauteng too. The litter is frustrating. When I was a kid there was a constant campaign to encourage people to use waste bins, which are plentiful. Ultimately, I think it stems from the poverty & inequality you referred to as a a person who feels like their country is not working for them is unlikely to care for it much.

[@AntonsClass]

Very good point about the litter and the pollution- that makes a lot of sense! I appreciate your engagement, and thanks for input.

[@MusehanaH]

..and Gauteng has by far the most vehicles driven on the roads...About 5 million in total

[@zaneleradebe2808]

Most of the coal mines are in Mpumalanga. I think that that particular Province probably has the worst air quality in SA.

[@thabisomacatsha9295]

I appreciate the honest review. People need to know exactly what to expect when coming to SA. We're not Wakanda or an Afro Utopia. We're a 3rd world country with 1st world pockets here and there and people interested in coming to South Africa NEED to be aware of that.

[@sergioozar9696]

Crime is a problem in all big cities, my City which is Luanda - Angola is a tangible example, though South África is even worse, unfortunately. Still, South África is the most developed, beautiful, high-end schools, vibe in África. Greetings from Angola 🙏🌹

[@AntonsClass]

You're right about that. Thank you for sharing your insight! Shout out to Angola!

[@the8thchurch461]

Thanks to the white man, eh? See what happens when he takes over? Just let him run Africa and you will be amazed.

[@p.t.9709]

Food is the one of the things we found in SA to be even more affordable (for westerners) when compared to some of the more developed African countries. Also, while we were in very nice areas, we continually were warned by many South Africans regarding the security issues. We even had a security person reach for his gun and wave us along while my wife and I were simply walking along the sidewalk and crossing a driveway slowly as we were looking for a restaurant. The fear/concern in the people there is real. While there is an obvious disparity between the haves and have nots, the non-white middle class continues to grow and grow. We luv our SA family.

[@AntonsClass]

That's true! The food was more affordable than other African countries. And yes, I meant to mention the growing Middle Class. Thanks for your insight!

[@pmambongwe8640]

Hhaybo that was hectic, things are that bad now

[@jamesbrown9721]

Anton, I’ve been following your videos since I was dreaming about traveling to Southern Africa a couple years back. You’re an insightful and intelligent young man. Now I’m over here in the Motherland, while your back at home ‘on the other side’ as they say in Joburg! Although we’re probably a generation apart, I’m a native Southern Californian with a similar background as yours. I’ve been in Greater Johannesburg for 3 weeks now, so let me give my personal perspective. After spending time in Turkey, and flying into OR Tambo, my first impression was the warmth of the people and how modern & developed Joburg is which reminds me at times of the Bay area, northern Virginia and the grittiness of south Florida immigrant neighborhoods all mixed together. Since I’ve been here, I’ve only stayed in Sandton, presently in Parkhurst where I often visit Rosebank. I’ve also taken the Guautrain to Mall of Africa. The Gautrain/bus system is beautiful and clean-far better than the BART (IMAO) Unfortunately most locals can’t afford to use the Gautrain system, and I’m quite aware of economical inequality in SA-especially after seeing Alexandria Township for the first time which is in stark contrast to super clean & wealthy Sandton. I didn’t see a single black spot of chewing gum on their red brick sidewalks-same for Rosebank & Parkhurst. So as far as cleanliness, their standards excel past the US. However, central Randburg is a different story with all it’s grittiness and dirt. So Joburg quality of life varies from district to district, neighborhood to neighborhood. The second thing is the rain. I know you were here in the winter, but it’s nothing like this December where it has rained, rained, and rained every single day for 3 weeks-usually in the afternoon or evening. So I’ve experienced no air pollution whatsoever. I’ve experienced more rain in 3 weeks than I’ve experienced over a 10 year period while growing up in my high desert hometown of Barstow. Another problem I have in SA is understanding the local dialect. I often find myself seeking help from South African whites because they’re a lot easier to comprehend. However, I do know many black South Africans are newer immigrants who sometimes speak multiple languages. So it’s hard to concentrate on just one language whereas Euro-South Africans have been afforded that opportunity. By and large, I have no difficulty communicating with people. If you are a walker, another battle you might face are the hills. Johannesburg has lots of BIG hills. Although they make the city look beautiful, hills are hard to navigate when your walking with major back problems. Everything you said about cost of living is spot on. I find costs are less than back home, but not super more affordable. Some products are even the same price or more than in the US. So I can see the cost of items being a big burden on local families. Finally, load shedding. My brother, you were here at the right time if power went off only 2 hours during the night. Now rolling blackouts happen every 4 hours-power shuts down for 2 to 4 hours at a time. On some days, I’ve have been without power for 8 hours over a 24 hour period! So load shedding is definitely at a crisis level. Other than that, this trip to SA has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. In February, I’m heading to Namibia for 2 months. So more adventures to come! When you get back out to Africa, I wish you all the success! You have a bright future.

[@AntonsClass]

Wow! Thank you for sharing so much experience and knowledge. I truly appreciate your engagement, my fellow SoCal brother.

[@rainbowtrust6347]

Dear James Brown, if you don't mind me addressing you that way. I'm really fascinated with your response to our brother and I'm very glad for the effort. You have said almost all and spot on about the weather too. As for me on the other side of the world, and in SA Joburg citizen, but western Cape as my hometown Cape Town, I can assure you that I believe you were in our city of Jozi and I'm happy that you took your time learning about Johannesburg and everything you've been on point. During your next visitation to Namibia, you might want to extend your stay around, do take a short trip to Cape Town you might find it very fascinating if you have time to spare. The journey is short because Namibia Windhoek is just few kilometers to CPT than the rest of the provinces of SA. I enjoyed both videos and most particularly your experience. Please both stay well and thank you for highlighting your experiences and I hope government servants will be alerted about Kempton park situation. SACANS have informed government about this for a long time now and plus dangerous criminals harboring it, and that nobody can go and clean there, because other African nationals staying there are even problem to law inforcement.

[@bronwynmay2603]

You are spot on,litter is a huge problem,in winter we do burn large grass areas deliberately.loadshedding well that seems to be a permanent fixture now and has literally driven every South African to our limit. I live in Johannesburg in northriding and am not at all offended.you are 100% correct on every point.

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you for your input. I appreciate you understanding my POV. Cheers!

[@truesouth6532]

It's not offensive at all, what sucks is the fact that those in power don't seem to be affected.

[@noxzienocturnal4544]

Your review was actually spot on and we appreciate it. I'm guessing that with all the backlash you got from your Rwanda exit you had to tread carefully. 😂 Anyway, as South Africans, we don't shy away nor try to diminish our country's problems, most of the time we're very aware of the issues plaguing us. We admit our shortcomings, especially where the government is concerned. Things have gone down pretty badly and it's infuriating as much as it is sad to see. We are currently on auto pilot, we really have no leader or rather, the people leading are certainly leading the country in the wrong direction. About the littering, you know how as people, we tend to take care of the environments we live in because we love them and it is our home? Now Gauteng as a province has a lot of people who live in it that don't see it as their home nor do they see South Africa as their home so it's easy to just let the environment deteriorate because it holds no sentimental value to them. Most areas that are really bad, like Kempton Park and such, are areas that have a lot of economic migrants who are just there for one thing, getting the bag and our government has really failed in not controlling such things. We have a high unemployment rate yet we still have people coming who are looking for greener pastures which also leads to high crime rate because if there are already no jobs for locals, there will be no jobs for economic migrants and because our law enforcement isn't working, most people find it easy to just resort to crime because there are no consequences.

[@molefemokhine9557]

Thank you for your constructive critique of Joburg sir. You are spot on about the air quality and the veld fires adding to it, you probably visited during winter....it's summer now and with all the rains and greenery, the air quality is way cleaner.

[@AntonsClass]

Yes, it was in winter. Okay, great! I supposed it would be much better during the rainy season. Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@lesegontho4494]

I've lived in hillbrow and I've witnessed and experienced everything you've mentioned and to be honest I'm so heartbroken. I went there as innocent and came back home as depressed.

[@NtombizodwaZodwa-nr6il]

Unfortunate hillbrow is a very bad place is full of satanism

[@ngmn5402]

I agree with you. Its a bitter truth. The good thing about these negatives are modifiable. Cleanliness comes with stringent laws and regulations. SA has a lot of human rights that are being abused and sometimes misunderstood.

[@menzimngadi6793]

Fair point except you have it the other way around. Human rights outside of the West, means chaos.

[@claudiusgordon4458]

Informatively enlightening

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@lebo5281]

Your concerns are our concerns. 1. Air quality in Johannesburg has been bad for a while, it gets worse in winter and you were there in winter. Jozi is congested, surrounded by industries and mines, too much traffic and emissions, too much radioactivity etc. On an odd day like in June this year there was sulphur dioxide from industrial plants and mines in Mpumalanga that was emitted into Gauteng, NW and FS, but a warning gets issued when that happens, it just takes longer to clear because of winter. 2. The litter in Kempton Park... Dysfunctional local government and the fact that Kempton Park has a large African expat community that does not really care much for a clean environment has made municipal workers to neglect servicing that area. The real deterioration started around 2008, it is just horrible. 3. Closing the inequality gap will take us longer than the 50 years of the system that designed it: apartheid. 4. Woolies and Gautrain are not really for ordinary the majority of the population , there are cheaper options. Your feedback was fair.

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you for your thorough response. It is much appreciated! And thank you for explaining the origins of many of these issues. Hopefully Green energy and other sustainable practices can be implemented so that the health and wellness of the SA people can be prioritized.

[@truesouth6532]

I agree with you especially on point number 2, but everytime we raise these issues both the government and the international community labels us xenophobic. Because really, who are the people who live and work in these litter infested areas, it's not SAns. Why is that residential areas that are occupied by mainly locals are cleaner than the cities? In countries like Rwanda and Namibia there are no African immigrants. But we're xenophobic when we bring up such issues. Also is it fair for people to pay the amount of tax that they pay and still be required to clean the city? , it's not fair at all.

[@lebo5281]

@TrueSouth There is nothing xenophobic about stating facts. I frequented Kempton Park in 2002-2006, then less frequently since then, I cannot stand it right now and I know exactly what happened and anyone who was there before the place started smelling like fish and left thereafter, will tell you what happened. My theory is that if a place is occupied by non-ratepayers who are 7/10 times to be on illegal stay, they will not be brave enough to call municipality if there is uncollected refuse, burst pipes etc. Then you have people that run home restaurants that are unregistered and cannot even dispose waste in lawful, hygienic ways, eg. they would dispose meat the same way household refuse is disposed...next thing there are maggots at every corner. It is annoying, it is not xenophobia.

[@truesouth6532]

@@lebo5281 I also know this for a fact, I was just stressing the point of SAns always being labeled xenophobic by the same international community that looks at us as pigs. Hence I advised that he goes to areas where there aren't any or very few foreigners and he'll notice that those places aren't as filthy. People refuse to understand where SAns are coming from and are quick to label us xenophobic.

[@lebo5281]

@TrueSouth I am agreeing with you, it is just that the label "xenophobic" on South Africans annoys me sooo much because it is far from the truth. People hate open and frank conversations but on the streets they will tell you that they rushed to SA because it was the only welcoming country in Africa, and they do acknowledge their part in the rot that we are now trying to fix and are equally worried about their next destination should they be forced to leave. African dictators & leaders know it too but would rather play victims & win an argument than admit facts.

[@moleedaboi]

I was raised and still live in Polokwane, a city in the Limpopo province and the image of Johannesburg as a kid was that it's similar to new York in the movies (I know this might not be an accurate interpretation of NY 😂). Everyone wanted to be there, but I felt like it was overrated due to the pollution, traffic, crime, etc. The city I grew up in is so low-key and chilled. Next year I'm going to Pretoria for college and I hope I have a good time there. Almost opted for University of Johannesburg, but I'm honestly still not impressed by that city. Though I'm glad you had a positive experience. My dream is to move to Capetown one day, Travel around Africa, and maybe settle abroad.

[@mosalethoba5267]

New York isn't utopia either don't be fooled ive heard they ve got a lot of rats ...as you know rats thrives where theres trash

[@AntonsClass]

Thanks for sharing! I hope you enjoy Pretoria - it's a beautiful city! And I can't wait to explore Cape Town also.

[@Hlonela100]

First time im hearing about air pollution through out jhb in fact I've heard the opposite I'm in jhb so maybe I'm because I'm in it I can't see, but this completely opposite of what I've heard

[@AntonsClass]

It didn't seem to affect most people too much, but for people with asthma it can be an issue.

[@palesamogorosi8939]

I also don't have any issue with the air in Johannesburg. It's a first that I've come across such lol.

[@shon1906]

Thanks for the video. My wife and I from North Carolina and are considering SA for retirement. We have a 10year plan because of young children that we want to graduate here 1st. My primary concern is crime and safety. Everything else is secondary. We will be visiting soon.

[@AntonsClass]

A 10 year plan sounds like a great idea! Gives you plenty of time to make preparations and visit. And yes, that is the primary concern, understandably.

[@sizwesishandlovu]

Thank you oh dear brother for this video. on point.

[@pmambongwe8640]

We really do need KZbinrs to show the slums of USA one day. Everyone know Africa at large has them but those in the states are "hidden".

[@trailblazersish]

You can search on KZbin slums in American cities

[@pmambongwe8640]

@@trailblazersish just did that and what I've noticed is it's mostly news channels reporting on it, not KZbinrs as is the case with us. Another thing I did.notice is that it's actually white KZbinrs and I don't know whether they are from the US or elsewhere. People complain about whites showing them the bad side of Africa but they do the same (which I don't mind cause it's reality) but nothing gets shown of their own slums.

[@soulrebel2006]

You can find videos on the slums in America all day everyday on youtube. And to be honest it’s not really slums as compared to areas like Alex in joburg, we have projects and public housing, that’s comparable to a certain extent to your slums, but we have better infrastructure.

[@pmambongwe8640]

@@soulrebel2006 Duh, you're in America, a first world country so ofcourse it won't be the same. Isn't that a given?????

[@soulrebel2006]

@@pmambongwe8640 duh you really asked a stupid question with a troll response. Go search on KZbin (how difficult is that. But your not smart so you go in the comment section and make a 2nd grade comment duh) .

[@Stura_tv]

Jozi sits at an altitude of 1500 to 1600 meters above sea level, so first you have less air compared to most cities that are at or close to sea level. Secondly is is that the coal burning pushes the pollution from Mpumalanga into Jozi. During covid I got too see this first hand. you can actually see the smog ring around the hole of GP. litter well that needs to be addressed but when such a big % of your population lives in such bad conditions what are your priorities? I do agree about the airport, its feels more like a down town dropoff outside and you would expect the airport to focus on it image. loadshedding is constant in ZA, the only changes depend on the lack of energy production, if you had gone a month later you would of seen up to 8 hours a day of loadshedding. PS the difference between a power outage and loadshedding relates to the lack of power generation in ZA. When loadshedding occurs its due to the fact that one of the major energy production plants has an issue and to balance the gird certain areas need to be shut down to ensure the gird is managed effectively. Poweroutages are geberally more random but thats a very generalised explanation. I really liked your videos Anton, glad you enjoyed your stay in one of the most amazing countries in the world, As with all countries there are issues and safety should always be focused on in ZA but as you said the general tourist places are safe and you do get a lot of bang for your bucks

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you much for your thorough comment. The information you've provided is much appreciated!

[@rainbowtrust6347]

Woolworth and Gautrain are not only the options in SA and they are classical and expensive. At the same time all our super markets are of high standard as well. There's little different among their prices if you judging by price, and Pick and Pay is similar to Woolworth at some prices. And you find Checkers quite expensive too in other things you purchase but better than Woolworth, of which you don't buy what you need , you only by the the name W/W . Woolworth is expensive unnecessary and delays the intake. About the transportation, you have many options to get you wherever you need/want to be like people of SA and in good time too. You are not forced to Gautrain. There are busses, public taxis, meter taxis, ubers ,local trains before Gautrain exit in Gauteng. These transports were also used by our foreign visitors during 2010 world cup period. And they traveled town to town, city to city using long distance trains. I know because I traveled with some of the Europeans from Johannesburg to Cape Town during that time . They were fine and they enjoyed their journey with us SACANS and they were really fine and excited. Black Americans will enjoy SA now, but I think that won't be enough for them, because they way I look at it they expect more than what America gives to the world. I'm really sure that fifth is one of best in America and more of it, eg Detroit, New York , Philadelphia and so forth, even that falling apart crazy life of California LA. I'm surprised to find that our people will even consider us less because of what's going on in Joburg. It wouldn't be that bad if we were not attacked and blamed for evil that has come with much more migrants than any city can handle, and blame citizens for putting a stop to this inconvenience. Kempton park is where all foreigners came for one thing money and pay no attention to any law or regulations and are criminals most of them. SA is not near to what other countries are, and definitely was the most clean, organized and dignified before other nations knew it and come in droves like they do now. Of course our government lost focus since he thought he is the messiah of people of the world, and feel guilty if he doesn't humble himself and say yes to everyone and every nonsense they come with. That's why every province ANC government rules , things are out of hand " too much nice and too giving ". That is why some natives stood up and took law in their hands one time, to try and clean up Joburg from its worst caused by these non SAcans that are piled up in places like Kempton park, Hillbrow, Joburg CBD, up to Pretoria certain places like these filthy places, they cleaned for these foreigners and teach them to keep it that way. And as you are saying you are coming to stay here ,you'll learn that all where most non SA lives is where most of these problems including high crime like drugs occur. About pollution happening in Gauteng Joburg particularly, I only feel sorry for people of SA Joburgers for what is happening to them. They don't need and deserve this. If our government was strict like Botswana, Namibia, and Rwanda governments, and have restricted immigration too, we wouldn't have so much of the world and whole continent of migrants, asylums, refugees and invaders. There'll be direction . So that's the life of SACANS in SA as tolerating as ever in everything, even when it has already affected them in many ways. We're not happy about the whole situation, but we are not thinking of running away from our home country to be discriminated and suffer to some countries because of that. SA government is responsible for this nonsense and has failed only SACANS in many ways than one . That's why SA has lost its value for no reason at all. Government should have learned from Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland period.

[@kwenzaluthuli7446]

im a South African, very informative video. thanks bru

[@AntonsClass]

Thanks for watching!

[@iTuber012]

I'm definitely concerned about the crime but am now more worried about pollution. Wow that is concerning for everyone's long term health

[@AntonsClass]

I don't believe the pollution is everywhere, though. The air along the cost and in the countryside is probably much better. Not sure though. And please don't let anything in this video discourage you. SA is absolutely amazing! Please do visit.

[@iTuber012]

@@AntonsClass oh yeah I know you were being specific to Joberg but damn. Maybe I have to consider closer to Pretoria now

[@lebo5281]

@iTuber012 You would have to test it for yourself, each area is different, the topography and climate also matters. For example, I can handle Joburg's dry and "dirty" air but I suffer in Durban and Tzaneen because of humidity, for others it is the opposite.

[@benjaminjameswildlife]

Johannesburg is known for having terrible air pollution. The rest of the country is not like that and the air along the western and southern coast is incredibly clean. Cape town in particular has very clean air due to the predominant wind that blows out of the South.

[@iTuber012]

@@lebo5281 I'll be visiting for sure

[@robertmkandawire8616]

Woolworths is quite expensive to buy food froom. It's not quite the place where South(ern) Africans buy from.

[@MusehanaH]

...not really. I do my grocery shopping there and I find that my stuff cost almost as much as in Pick n Pay and Checkers

[@virgilvolmink4923]

Love your positiveness with regards to our challenges in South-Africa.

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you! ✌🏽

[@nikki9817]

Thanks again for the honest commentary.

[@ciwane1428]

Good video men thank you for informations i watch your video from Canada 😀

[@piper1415]

As a South African, loadshedding is problematic for South Africans in general for the following reasons; businesses and factories find it difficult and expensive to operate, unemployment as businesses do not want to invest into new or energy hungry industries or to expand which is needed to grow the economy and reduce unemployment, crime as lights go down crime go up, damage to electrical and electronic equipment for households and businesses. You were lucky to experience only 2 hours of loadshedding per day as on average it can be as high as 7+ hours per day. Crime is out of control and with the murder rate so high South Africa resembles a war zone. The littering is not part of the socioeconomic problem, but the way people were raised by their parents. Gauteng's bad air quality is related to the heavy industries that surrounds the province, the enormous and over populated squatter camps without electricity and the fires as you mentioned. Government's inability due to corruption, nepotism, cadre deployment etcetera contribute to this problem. Our problem is not the 1% who owns great wealth, but the corrupt politicians, their families and supporters who pillage the State treasury's income for their sole benefit. There is so much more other South Africans can add but as you said South Africa is a beautiful country and I for one, do not whish to live anywhere else.

[@AntonsClass]

Thank you for your informative and thorough response! Your engagement is much appreciated 🙏🏽

[@palesamogorosi8939]

Excuse me but what do you mean "our problem is not the 1% who owns great wealth" ??? Do you realise that you're defending inequality? That disparity is a huge problem and yes the government has also failed to grow a spine and close the gap.

[@piper1415]

@@palesamogorosi8939 Yes, I do defend inequality of outcome as not all people are the same or will aspire to the same greatness. I for one do not plan or have the capacity to be the next Elon Musk. Must Elon now give me part of his wealth to end my inequality that I have against him? If you have more money and possession than me, should you not share with me equally? All people in South Africa have the same opportunity to become part of the 1% if they aspire to it. To blame someone who became rich by working hard and who have taken huge personal and financial risks is wrong and smells like socialism and communism which I despise. No wealth was ever created by taking such wealth from those who have worked for it. Confiscation of wealth only led to poverty and misery. Remember if you get something for free, you never appreciate it and will always squander it. Ask people who survived or presently live under socialist or communist regimes they will confirm that the only people who benefits from taking the productive and rich people's money are the corrupt politicians, their families and friends. Rich people are the ones who create employment and not governments. Look at our state owned enterprises in South Africa for an example and think if government was the sole owner and employer how messed up this country would have been. Remember capitalism may not be perfect but is is by lightyears better than socialism or communism.

[@henda1538]

You are exaggerating the problems now chief

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

You ate my load shedding downloaded content.

[@AWBATC]

The worse I hear about is blackouts called loadshading.

[@lucylocket7866]

You should go to cape town I think you will be pleasantly suprized

[@AntonsClass]

Definitely planning on Cape Town! 🙂

[@moafrika8789]

Anton, add honey/sugar, lemon, ginger, or whatever fruit syrup you fancy i.e. apple/pineapple/citrus...you will love it.

[@AntonsClass]

Wow! That sounds awesome. I'll give it a try.

[@tessfromtheu.s256]

Where did u get that tea set !!!!

[@AntonsClass]

The cup is from Bookmans. 😊 The tea pot is Amazon lol

[@truesouth6532]

Overall fair commentary. Unfortunately the powers that be do not watch these videos, either that or they simply do not care, matter of fact I think the latter is the case. The litter is quite bad in certain areas and again that speaks mostly to government who doesn't care to enforce bylaws and yes also citizens, but in most instances the issue lies sorely with the government because in people's individual capacities and spaces you find that it's quite clean, I wish you had an opportunity to go into residential areas where people are in charge of the upkeep of the place you would have noticed a difference. So all in all the ANC and DA government are failing us as a people.

[@AntonsClass]

Yes. I am seeing now that the government is definitely not working to accomplish what the average South African wants done. It's sad.

[@Neo_Mpax999]

🇿🇦 honesty is the best policy 😎

[@ashleythomas2571]

Right now we on level 6 loadshedding - tomorrow we have loadshedding for one 2,5 hour stint plud 2 4.5 hour stints later in the day. Very disruptive for normal business

[@AntonsClass]

Wow. That's a lot.

[@Jonathan_Strange]

01:40 Since you mention that you feel that a number of the bad experiences you had in South Africa are most likely due to neglect by the Government or the people in charge and you later speak about Loadshedding, I thought I'd just mention that Loadshedding is kind of seasonal: _it only happens when one particular party is in government._ Litter on the other hand is something I don't think the government can really be blamed for, and it is more a lack of education or (lack of) culture thing. There are often rubbish bins in areas, and people just (actively) choose not to use them. They instead just toss their soda cans, wrappers, fruit peels, take-away boxes, beer bottles, cigarettes, etc. on the ground with no regard for the damage to the environment (or themselves). Some people even seem to believe that stormwater drains are just huge dustbins... (and then apparently regret it when there are flash floods caused by inadequate drainage due to blockages after sudden downpours from thunderstorms). Choosing NOT TO LITTER is a pretty simple thing, it requires minimal effort... and has far greater rewards. It certainly is a case of Prevention is better than Cure. DON'T LITTER. Throw your rubbish in the bin. Keep your country tidy. Show some pride.

[@AntonsClass]

I appreciate your thorough response! Thank you for adding your input on the different topics I raised. Considering the littering issue, I was pleased to see Rwanda, for example, was able to create a culture that values cleanliness, where the government offers incentives for cleaning. I am wondering if SA could shift the culture in a similar way. I know SA is a much larger (size and population) and more diverse country, but I still wonder.

[@1HourOf.]

The train is quite cheap at the moment which everybody is happy about

[@sicko_the_ew]

The police can't lie about the number of murders, because unnatural deaths are followed by formal or informal inquests. Our murder rate came down a bit, but has gone back up. I haven't checked, myself, lately, but my cousin read somewhere that we're at 70 murders a day (so more than 25 000 in total every year - so there were probably more murder victims in SA in the last 2 years than there were casualties on all sides in Afghanistan). The murder rate gives a fair indication of crime rates overall. It's at unacceptably high levels by all but the very lowest standards, worldwide. A simplistic description of what causes it is unlikely to be at all useful in sorting the problem out, here. (The "it's all because of capitalism" explanation privileges just one of the potential factors - and one that's much more difficult to deal with than an overly optimistic view of this would suggest. Our very government has proposed pretty much exactly that viewpoint - especially during Mbeki's term. And look at them now. How do you tell the pigs apart from the men, now?) I'd say there's a cultural aspect (culture being a temporary thing like jazz, rock, or hip hop) to crime that is extremely significant. At the very base of it all is the fact that most poor people are far too proud to commit crime. Poverty creates crime, yes, but it does so by creating prey, more than it does so by creating criminals/ being the main cause of someone becoming a criminal or slipping up sometimes. Poverty creates helpless people. Helpless people are easy for dishonest businessmen to exploit (and your most directly dishonest businessman goes about "becoming respectable" by robbing, stabbing, hurting, killing. (I'll try and give you as much of your "capitalism done it" version of the problem and solution as possible, since there's a fair amount of truth in it.) In South Africa, you have to go back quite far in history to get a handle on the cultural aspect. Like all the way back to apartheid townships the previous government (at its worst, just to state that in a more factual, and balanced way), which that government tried to discourage rural people from moving to. I'll just highlight one aspect of those well known facts: That government had some people who just assumed, "that's the way the Bantu are" (to use one of the words they used in public for black people). Lots of stabbings in that township. "Oh they like to stab each other. That's just how they are." It's not so much "philosophical racism" - of the Victorian kind, for instance - as ignorance. Inexcusable ignorance, not an excuse. What I'm saying is just that even the least vicious mindsets around the segregation schemes led to terrible consequences. The government treated township crime as just something normal. "Of course there's lots of crime there. That's what they do." And the effect was that it became normal. This is the more important point than whatever condemnation one's anger might bring out against this attitude. It became normal for black people. It became "just the way things are" - the invidious part of the cultural aspect that has carried most to the present day. We've all encountered some of this, either directly, or indirectly. You hear that a guy who works for you is all sad today because the tsotsis murdered his brother. Not for his disability pension. He knew better than to put up a fight. He gave that up right away. He was murdered just because that gangster wanted to kill someone today, and here was a nice easy victim. Some or other gang culture thing. And for present purposes, the really terrible thing about all that is how NORMAL it is. Sad but normal. "These things happen." Now that sense of the "normality" of it all is something that can be countered by the right kind of Leadership (from actual leaders, who are respected, more than feared). It can be countered right now, today, and have an immediate effect, right now, today. To oversimplify, you need Leaders to keep their more sympathetic thoughts about "criminals who are also victims" to themselves, and to take a stand on the side of the direct victims of whatever the View from ON HIGH social conditions have generated. That means affirming the honesty and decency of all the honest, decent people, and declaring that to the the Real Truth (because it _is_ for starters), and at least in public taking a hard and unsympathetic attitude to their direct persecutors. Consider who the persecutor normally was under apartheid, for instance - the persecutor the persecuted victim physically felt acting against him or her. Was it the architects of it all? No. The police? Sometimes, yes. The boss at work? Maybe. Depends on the person. ... or some Tsotsi with a knife? The way apartheid killed you if it was going to kill you, was with the weapon in the hand of the criminal preying on you. And to break that evil circle, one of the most important directly effective measures is to at least not be nice and friendly to the direct implementors of its worst effects. And this new government has always been too kind and understanding toward criminals. Maybe there's a time and a place for that, but not before you've first drawn a much clearer boundary between what's acceptable (being as decent as a normal South African is) and unacceptable (directly hurting, harming, or bringing fear to your very neighbours). This is largely just a part of action to reverse the state in which these terrible things became 'normal'. And I've gone on too long, so I'd better leave it at "step 1" (of many). If you come here, and you dig deeper into the way we came to load shedding, you'll discover that too many of the chosen leaders of this country have contributed directly to that situation by behaving almost as if they were criminals, themselves. That might be part of the reason why nobody could ever find resources to deal with the stopgap measures we need against the crime epidemic on the way to whatever the deeper level solutions turn out to be. (Including maybe ending capitalism. Who knows?) And the litter problem in Rwanda? It got fixed by acts of leadership, rather than by prescriptions and fines. Maybe one day we'll have crime rates as low as they are in Malawi.

[@solorider2607]

So there is a lot of smoke in South Africa

[@amapolotv5201]

Come back to Namibia 🇳🇦 my g

[@stormmaritz73]

Huh...loadshedding not unpredictable which sa were u at!!

[@benjaminjameswildlife]

Johannesburg has the worst air quality in South Africa by far. Contrasting to this Cape town has some of the cleanest air in the world. It's very much weather related. Johannesburg has very little wind so polution from power stations, cars, fires etc etc just hangs. Litter in Johannesburg is also just terrible. Cape Town is also largely litter free compared to Johannesburg,except in poorer areas.

[@AntonsClass]

Makes a lot of sense. I can't wait to explore Cape Town, etc. Thanks for sharing!

[@benjaminjameswildlife]

@@AntonsClass well I'm a guide in South Africa. I'm based in Cape Town but travel throughout southern African. Let me know when you do. Id love to show you my city.

[@AntonsClass]

@@benjaminjameswildlife okay, fantastic! I will do that. Thank you!

[@francemarabe9577]

The issue of litter it is really bad , because the country is led by greedy and selfish people .

[@mfundo6619]

You can thank our African brothers for all the litter in our cities

[@tsholofelomocumi4207]

You have all this concerns, but you are considering MOVING to SA, where there is air pollution and all the things that you have mentioned?

[@AntonsClass]

Yes I am considering moving there. Maybe to someplace in SA with less air pollution than Joburg, though.

[@stix1058]

I am a Joburg native and completely unaware of air pollution. We looking forward to seeing you moving to SA Brother👍

[@AntonsClass]

@@stix1058 thank you! I appreciate the hospitality. 🙏🏽✌🏽

[@tsholofelomocumi4207]

@@AntonsClass ok

[@bronwynmay2603]

@@stix1058 we don’t even notice.our lungs have adapted maybe I suppose 🤷‍♀️

[@lizzyndlovu5843]

trash trash, I hope the powers that be, are listening , thank you sir

[@AntonsClass]

Thank YOU! 🙏🏽

[@SphakamisoDaProposal]

Lol 😅😅 I'm laughing coz you were really touring SA and seems like you took public transport which is very good. You got to know the real South Africa 😂

[@solorider2607]

This is the second time I’m seeing you drink that tea and if you want to make it taste better you should add fresh milk in it

[@AntonsClass]

I like it like this. Thank you for the tips!

[@MatNch]

The littering around CBDs is too much.

[@Svig]

Thought Namibia was your choice what changed

[@Ndondakusuka]

SA is irresistible dear sister / brother

[@AntonsClass]

South Africa just had a lot more to offer for me. All of the things to do, the natural beauty, and even direct flights to the US!

[@zipporahyourexplorer4891]

@@AntonsClass 🤗💞

[@zabadackakaHansCoche]

I look at it this way Germany was flattened during WW2, but they rebuilt the country to prosperity in 20yrs. South Africa was a good running country and was ruined in 20yrs. The problem is that those from a poor background always want to become super rich in a short time, that causes corruption (especially with politicians) Their job is to manage the prosperity of the country & and it's people, but they failed us all.

[@tpmash]

South Africa was never good country. It was good and built to benefit 5% Europeans in those days, and exterminate the majority, the Africans.

[@AntonsClass]

Ruined in 20 years? Pre apartheid the country was already "ruined" for the vast majority of the citizens - the Black indigenous South Africans. Now the Black middle and upper class is steadily growing with Black people finally getting the education they deserve. However, Apartheid has lasting affects, and all of the wealth concentrated at the top is still locked up at the top, for the most part. I would not compare this situation to Germany rebuilding after the war. South Africa is a lot more dynamic. I do agree that SA needs better leadership. That much is certainly true.

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

That's why you must come to Durban. God knows what they're burning in JHB. In the Zulu Kingdom our stuff is more environmentally friendly.

[@AntonsClass]

I would love to

[@ScissorN]

Amanga lawo amanga aluhlaza 🙄 *Tumelo

[@palesamogorosi8939]

ukhuluma ngani manje? ubani unamanga?

[@truesouth6532]

@@palesamogorosi8939 ube nehaba kwezinye izinto though, air pollution come on!

[@Mongusta]

I need to understand why you say you were "fortunate" to not experience crime, are you suggesting as an example one in three experience crime, is it that prevalent? Are you also saying crime is a result poverty, I think this is an insult to poor people, people dont steal because they are poor, people steal because they are people.You say you are a teacher, you make what $60k a year, in my view you are poor, do you steal? Was Bennie Madoff poor? Didn't he steal money? Poor people in the US, Sa, and everywhere in the world should never be blamed for the evils and greed of capitalism

[@AntonsClass]

Everyone who lives and doesn't experience crime is fortunate, right? Yes, I was fortunate NOT to experience crime. And crime (blue collar) has been demonstrated, in many cases, to be the result of poverty. I never "blamed" poor people for anything. Did you listen to the video? I was blaming Capitalism and the Capitalist class. I guess you totally missed the part where I blamed the greedy 1%. FYI, I am not considered "poor" by most standards, since I can afford to save and travel. However, even if I were considered poor, I would have no issue with that. I was raised in a lower class, poorer family. Not ALL poor people commit crime, and that's not what I suggested. However, ones prospects for employment, as well as access to basic human rights, do influence the types of crime that many travelers to SA are concerned with - principally theft and assault.

[@Mongusta]

poor is relative, in the land of the blind one man is king. My point is you are not rich but you dont steal, do you? Most poor people have self- respect and are proud, the notion that poor people steal is a reflection on the hypocrisy of this world. Most poor people just like Black people are not out fighting capitalism or white domination but rather fighting for their place in it.

[@nelenesmithSA]

I'm assuming you are not from South Africa otherwise your statement would be very different..most of the crime on the ground is due to people being desperate to survive..capitalism and greed can only be blamed when you look at the elites in our country and the blatant corruption they are involved in.. ordinary citizens in South Africa are struggling..our unemployment % is sky high and the basic educational needs of our people are not being met so when you put unemployment, extreme poverty and lack of education together, you get the crime that South Africa is known for.. that is just a fact..and yes, in SA I'm almost 100% sure that 1 in 3 people have experienced crime personally

[@Mongusta]

@@nelenesmithSA I am South African through and through, I always have the pleasure of living in 3 other countries including the US. I never said there is no crime in SA, but I rebutted the notion that "he was fortunate" to not have experienced crime in SA, the optics of that statement are problematic. As for insulting poor people with crime, I dont see Marcus Jooste as poor, Bennie Madorff is not poor, and the list is endless.

[@Mongusta]

@@AntonsClass your comment was blocked, but I thank you for the maturity to discuss uncomfortable issues

[@top-gnews8333]

Woolworths is for rich people, we have alternative like pick n pay ,shoprite, spar, ok , etc super markets offering the same quality, south Africans don't rely on gautrain its not important to us....

[@AntonsClass]

I mostly shopped at Checkers.

[@thesmollman8608]

the brush fires is to make new grass sprout, its good for the soil

[@jamesarc8192]

What percentage of Americans shop at Wholefoods in the USA? The SA "elite" as you term it or even 'comfortable middle class ' is much smaller as a percentage of population, than the USA. You obviously enjoyed Woollies (local terminology) offerings, so please do not judge us on a relatively small demographic) not to mention, very limited geographic spread of Woolworths stores)

[@zigiozz]

Why are people being so sensitive, the man is only offering his personal experience, to be honest, he's very generous with his objective and he did apologize throughout his briefing on SA. It's comparative, not a put down there's a difference. I love SA, and also am planning on relocating. :)

[@AntonsClass]

@@zigiozz thank you!! 🙏🏽

[@AntonsClass]

James, I am not judging anyone. I was only offering my commentary on my experience.

[@jamesarc8192]

@@AntonsClass I understand and am not being generally critical. I just think that if you make a comparison compare an apple with an apple. So, compare Woolworths (high end) with Whole foods. Equally compare Walmart or Kroger with Checkers, Shoprite or Pick n Pay. Enjoying your coverage, nevertheless.

[@AntonsClass]

@@jamesarc8192 I wasn't comparing Woolworths to anything in particular. I just said, "especially Woolworths" was expensive for me. Anyway, thanks for engaging!