> Is there any sort of constantly updated "off-limits area map", or is it just common knowledge?
No maps - just common local knowledge. Some areas you avoid completely, some you just avoiding walking or driving through late at night.
> How does security in wealthier neighbourhoods look like?
Most new higher-end developments are fenced-off security complexes - electric fencing all around, and 24/7 security services. But there are still many "regular" suburbs without that. In those you typically have security patrols, and individual houses may or may not have electric fencing, depending on the area.
> Is hiking in the wild risky?
Depends on the area. In some areas you just avoid hiking alone. The more remote areas typically have no safety issues.
> Is public transport generally to be avoided, or are there "better and worse" services?
Most (but not all) wealthy people avoid local public transport ("taxis" and trains) - they do have safety (and reliability) issues. There are good options in some places - e.g. a high-end train in Johannesburg & Pretoria, and Uber is a decent option in most cities. Long distance busses and trains are also typically fine.
> As far as electricity blackouts go, everyone has a generator, right?
No, generators are mostly only by businesses. Too noisy and too much effort to use for most residences.
The cheap solutions involve getting a mini backup power supply for your internet router, and some battery-operated lights. That + some planning around e.g. cooking gets you through most outages.
Recently, battery backup + solar became very popular for everyone who can afford it. Prices for solar and batteries dropped substantially over the last 5-10 years, and the entire installed system costs around 1/3rd of what you'd pay in the US.
> Is there never a shortage of diesel for those generators?
We've had one shortage that I remember over the last couple of years. It's much more relevant for vehicle fuel than generators.
> What about the pollution that comes from running generators several hours a day?
Much less than that of cars and our coal power stations. Noise is the biggest issue.
"Most new higher-end developments are fenced-off security complexes"
Thank you for taking time to write such a detailed answer.
The security complex thing, I wouldn't be able to live like that. It is my natural instinct to roam cities on foot, walk through the streets and the parks, observe people and birds etc., regardless whether it is my own city or a city that I visited as a tourist. But it seems this is precisely the one thing you can't do in SA safely.
Living behind a high wall, I would feel like an expensive prisoner. But maybe I wouldn't miss the freedom to roam, if I never experienced it in my life.
Yes, that's also why I don't live in a security complex. Many people don't, but there are many people who just want that extra safety factor.
Also, the higher-end security estates are massive - you effectively have your own park (or golf course) in the estate, so that may lessen some of that. Those places are expensive, but probably still much less than a comparable house in the US or Europe.
And in cities there are places where it's safe enough to just walk around like you mentioned, but safety is something that's typically on your mind wherever you go.
But not being able to just go where I want without considering safety, and not having my kids being able to just walk around or use public transport without fearing their safety - that is a big factor in making me consider emigrating.
No maps - just common local knowledge. Some areas you avoid completely, some you just avoiding walking or driving through late at night.
> How does security in wealthier neighbourhoods look like?
Most new higher-end developments are fenced-off security complexes - electric fencing all around, and 24/7 security services. But there are still many "regular" suburbs without that. In those you typically have security patrols, and individual houses may or may not have electric fencing, depending on the area.
> Is hiking in the wild risky?
Depends on the area. In some areas you just avoid hiking alone. The more remote areas typically have no safety issues.
> Is public transport generally to be avoided, or are there "better and worse" services?
Most (but not all) wealthy people avoid local public transport ("taxis" and trains) - they do have safety (and reliability) issues. There are good options in some places - e.g. a high-end train in Johannesburg & Pretoria, and Uber is a decent option in most cities. Long distance busses and trains are also typically fine.
> As far as electricity blackouts go, everyone has a generator, right?
No, generators are mostly only by businesses. Too noisy and too much effort to use for most residences.
The cheap solutions involve getting a mini backup power supply for your internet router, and some battery-operated lights. That + some planning around e.g. cooking gets you through most outages.
Recently, battery backup + solar became very popular for everyone who can afford it. Prices for solar and batteries dropped substantially over the last 5-10 years, and the entire installed system costs around 1/3rd of what you'd pay in the US.
> Is there never a shortage of diesel for those generators?
We've had one shortage that I remember over the last couple of years. It's much more relevant for vehicle fuel than generators.
> What about the pollution that comes from running generators several hours a day?
Much less than that of cars and our coal power stations. Noise is the biggest issue.