Safety and Security

Having been asked by a few people about my sense of being safe and secure I think there are two items for address.

First is the “xenophobia” making world news, especially the immigrant who was burned alive in one of the townships. “Xenophobia” is an improper title because the violence is only being directed at African immigrants. The perception is Zimbabweans and others fleeing their home countries for employment are taking South African jobs, which is not as absurd of a concept as immigrants taking U.S. jobs. From an employers standpoint many of these immigrants have superior educations when compared with the South Africans. Education is an area in need of major reform in South Africa, at least as far as accessibility for those in the townships.
I doubt I will find myself victim of any anti-immigrant attitudes.

Second is the general perception of a violent and dangerous South Africa, especially Jo-Burg. You can see pictures of all the keys I have, the security gate at the entrance to the walled (with spikes) community, the security gate to the walled (with spikes) house, the gate to the front door on the house, the front door with double deadbolt, the alarm, the security gate on the sliding patio doors, the attack cat, and the giant ant pile also protecting the property. Never you fear, the cat is on my side! As a quick aside, I laughed at last year's intern, Elizabeth, when she was showing me pictures and had one of her keys- the joke is on me. (Alana says hello!)

Most communities, including the one where the church is located, have some sort of security gate or manned boons to control entry, but I’ve never been slowed at any of these manned boons, let alone stopped. There was certainly a time in the recent past where the security was much tighter in efforts to address robbery and violence, but that is passing.

I have been warned often about smash and grab robberies at traffic lights, so I keep my bag in the trunk, but I’ve seen none of this and heard of no one being victim to this recently. I am being smart and listening to what others are advising, but I feel very safe and have at all times since my arrival. I'll let some of you know if anything happens. Mom, you'll have to wait until I get home to hear any good stories.


If my words seem few, first be thankful. I am sure I will write too much at some point. Then recall that a picture is worth a thousand words and I have 9, making this the longest blog entry EVER!