The Hidden Fence

Yes, it is quite obvious I was going to write about this theme. Security is really a big problem here in South Africa - specially in Johannesburg. Fortunately I haven’t been exposed to crime yet, but security measures are so high, you get remembered that it can happen to anyone anywhere at any time.

Where you see that security problem at first, is on the road. All houses you pass are surrounded by high walls with barbwire fences on top - sometimes even electified. And then these large signs from the different security companies. Where these security measures are not enough, whole quarters are surrounded by additional walls and all entries are closed with turnpikes and are conrolled by private security companies.

There are of course certain things you just don’t do around here in Jo’burg, because it is to dangerous (this list is not meant to be exhaustive):

• Never walk in the streets. You will almost never see white people walking in the streets, it’s just much too dangerous. And the few you still see are either jogging (most certainly with a black bodyguard) in the security perimeters or they are just naive tourists (specially found near the hotels).
• Lock your car doors when you are inside. At least at night one should never leave the car doors unlocked when driving, robberies can happen so fast.
• Do not stop at dangerous red lights. At night in certain areas of Johannesburg it might be too dangerous to stop at a red light.

This list might be expanded much more, but I don’t want to scare people too much that want to come and visit me :-).