Semester Study Abroad

Services: Pre-departure information: Safety

Bear in mind that South Africa is a country in transition from a violent past. This has implications for your personal safety. Cape Town is a city of about four million people. All large cities have areas which can be unsafe. We want you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town which is a multicultural, first world/third world city at the tip of Africa. For this reason we suggest you give serious attention to the safety advice below.

• Do not walk around alone at night. The UCT residences suggest that students should go out in groups of 3 to 5, even in the relatively safe suburbs near the university.
• Never drink and drive, or go in a car driven by someone who has been drinking. The legal age for purchasing alcohol in South Africa is 18.
• When you are going out, always inform someone about where you are going and make sure you know where you are going and are properly equipped. Remember it is dangerous to go swimming, mountain climbing, surfing/diving in the sea alone. Always avoid going alone into areas you do not know, even during the daytime (e.g. the townships and informal settlements).
• Go into a shop or ask security personnel for directions. Do not stop strangers in the street. The UCT residences warn students that there are prostitutes and pimps operating along the Main Road, some of whom are very protective of their turf!
• Transport: public transport in Cape Town is adequate and is safe to use during the day during working hours. Avoid using trains, buses and minibus taxis at night. If you are stranded, phone a reputable taxi service.

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