My husband is starting a job in SA - and I'll be following him in January with my 10 year old daughter. The online info on staggering violent crime has me terrified. I'm coming from NYC (USA) - am no stranger to unsafe neighborhoods and poverty - but are there safe outlying areas to raise a child than the posts on Jo'burg seem to indicate? Help me educate myself please!

Hi Laurie! It's a pity I only read your post now as I assume you'll already have relocated to South Africa. I guess like any major city, Jo'burg is not without its fair share of problems & crime. However, the extent of it is somewhat distorted by the media. There are many nice & safe suburbs. As in any other city, many American cities included, there are areas best avoided & places where you do have to be on your guard. Having said that, Jo'burg's not all bad & most S. Africans are law abiding & hospitable people. I hope you enjoy your stay there & that everything goes well :o) P.S. I hope you get a chance to visit other parts of the country in all its diversity & beauty.