South Africa safety

UPDATE: As of March 29, nine people from our ship were mugged, including four at knife point, and there were another nine reported thefts in Cape Town, according to our executive dean.

I last visited South Africa more than a decade ago, and it was one of the friendliest, most interesting countries I had ever seen. I brought my family with and we toured townships and wineries, ate at upscale restaurants and swam at public beaches. We were aware then that there was a crime problem, but we always felt safe and secure.

This safety warning from our executive dean would indicate that things have gotten worse in Africa's biggest economy. Archbishop Tutu says it is the most unequal country in the world. Difficult to comprehend all of these years after apartheid was ended.

From: Executive Dean
Date: March 24, 2013, 12:02:19 AM GMT+04:00
To: Shipboard Community 
Subject: FW: South Africa Health and Safety Information

I am forwarding this message that is compiled from ISE Risk Assessment Office and ISE’s private Risk Assessment Firm.  I want you to know that I don’t purposefully try to make Preports scary.  You should review the bullet points below and take heed.  This is your responsibility to review.  These points will also be posted on the bulletin board in Tymitz Square.  I will spend shortened time on these during preport and more time on other topics.

  

Attached please find the Country Specific Information sheet from the U.S. State Department for South Africa (to be posted in the Health and Safety case) and the ASI country report.

In Cape Town Semester at Sea has experienced one of the highest rates of criminal incidences and everyone should be reminded to exercise extreme caution at all times. In general, a very strong message should be sent for this country.

Please use the attached reports to prepare for the pre-port briefings and please be guided by the following points:

• Cape Town has one of the highest crime rates in the world
• ALWAYS travel as part of a group and, if possible, have a cell-phone in the group.
• NEVER, NEVER walk alone at night anywhere...the streets of Cape Town can be extremely dangerous late at night.  Even ones that are harmless during the day.  Long Street included.
• Participants should be encouraged to return to the ship early in the evening.  Those that return after dark should do so by licensed, metered taxi.
• If in trouble, get back to the ship for assistance or find another safe haven to get help.
• Use of "Date Rape" drugs is on the rise in Cape Town - Recently, a UVa graduate student was drugged, abducted, and assaulted while vacationing in Cape Town. Be very careful in bars, drink responsibly, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Avoid public transportation, including mini-taxis. Use clearly marked licensed taxis.
• Muggings, pick pocketing and purse snatching are not uncommon. Keep valuables on the ship and do not offer resistance if confronted
• Crime and fraud involving ATM machines is very high. Only use ATM machines located inside banks, shops, or other well-lit public areas. Never withdraw money when you are alone.
• Recently, two ATM machines in Cape Town were bombed and looted
• Townships should be avoided unless accompanied by a reputable guide during the day. Other areas to avoid include Cape Flats district, Hanover Park, Musenenburg, Mitchell Plains, Parrow, Seapoint, Greepoint, Salt River, Observatory and Mowbray districts, including all suburban townships, due to higher rates of crimes in these areas.
• Recently, an American student drowned while swimming or surfing…participants should be reminded of dangerous and unfamiliar sea currents.
• Many muggings have taken place on Table Mountain hiking trails, especially early morning and evening. If you plan to hike, you should do so with a reputable guide and as a group.
• Incidents of sexual assault are particularly high in South Africa and Cape Town. Women should exercise extra caution and never put themselves in a situation where they are alone.
• The Doctor should send a clear message about the risks of HIV and other Health concerns.  Sex with locals presents an extremely high risk.
• Demonstrations and strikes are very common. Participants should avoid them as they can sometimes turn violent.

·Ocean Safety: If visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports. In 2010, at the Fish Hoek beach, and in 2005 and 2006 in the False Bay area of the Western Cape, several people were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks were fatal. When a shark is spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify swimmers.

Please look at the notice posted in Tymitz Square glass cases for more information.

Tom Jelke