"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.
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.