Johannesburg has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in the world. I’ve been here two full days and everyone I’ve encountered is super friendly. The hospitality and warmth seem genuine. A surprise for a place with such a bad rap.
I’ve taken three taxi rides to destinations and on each we passed through downtown Joburg. Each time the drivers comment on how dangerous an area of town this is. I’m wondering, then why are you driving here if it’s so bad? My third time through downtown during a random police stop pulling over cars the driver explains car jacking is rampant and the police have begun to crack down on the matter. During the stop the police ask if I’m ok with the driver looking for any sign if I’m under duress. My driver further explains there has been a big problem with police corruption with cops taking bribes from the abductors using money from those they’ve hijacked. Wow, now I’m beginning to understand why the locals are all talking about the bad crime, but further dumbfounded by the open friendliness off everyone. I thought such an environment would bread protectionism and coldness to others. Rather I’ve discovered in-spite of living in such an environment most have adopted a warm accepting attitude. Luckily, it seems the government is working on the corruption issue. I’m informed in the past few months they’ve begun sting operations and have arrested several high-profile cops for taking bribes and that since there has been a marked decrease in crime in the city.
I hope they get the crime under control. Many people avoid this city due to its reputation and it has a rich culture and history not to mention incredible people. I hope to one day return to see a change in the city to purely experience the warmth exuded by everyone.
I’ve jumped in a taxi and show him the address to my hostel. He doesn’t have a clue where it’s at and ask me if I know how to get there. Not a clue, I recall a major mall is within a few miles and he knows where that’s located. Off we go. On the ride I figure, hey since he doesn’t know where to go, maybe Google will, and since I only recently went through the agony of getting a sim card I may as well use it. Ops we’ve passed the mall and obviously my driver doesn’t know where he’s going. Google navigation to the rescue as I direct him turn by to my bed door.
I walk into the hostel all proud and happy I’ve used my tech to get here so quickly and then I think, maybe I should have put my phone away. Who knows what crazy adventurous detour I’d have ended up on. Nah…. I’m proud and I’ll save the detours for less crime prone towns.
