Risk Matrix: South Africa

Explanation: The Risk Assessment Levels and Factor Matrix provides an overview of the main factors influencing the safety and wellbeing of expats[i] in a host country.

The Levels are based on internationally recognised colour codes and includes a description of each level, as well as preparatory interventions advised for each level.
The factor matrix (further below), contains factors that influence the safety and wellbeing of expats as well as the stability of the host country. A total Risk level for the country is provided, based on the added average of the various categories (and rounded to the nearest whole number).
The matrix and final score are provided to assist with gathering of information in order for individuals and organisations to make informed decisions and secure a level of preparedness related to the destination. By providing this matrix and score, the CRN in no manner either prohibits or encourages travel to a location. Every individual and organisation makes their own decisions whether to travel or not, and does so completely at their own risk. The information contained in the factor matrix is taken from a variety of sources, including government sources, travel websites, NGOs and personal experiences.
 

[i] Expat is a person living in a country other than their native country.

[ii] Preparatory Interventions can include Personal or Advanced Safety Training, Hostage Event training, Contingencies and Evacuation plans and Crisis Management Team (CMT) training. The reason for travelling will determine the type of training – e.g. Global Journalist Security Training focuses on needs of human rights defenders, etc. Individuals or organisations must pursue preparatory measures and content of training suited to their mandate and needs.

Risk Assessment Guide

1 | Very Low

Little to no impact on expats[i]

Preparatory interventions[ii]

  • Research country
  • Travel insurance

2 | Low

Some variables exist, but situation is predictable

Preparatory interventions[ii]

  • Research and insurance
  • Personal safety training

3 | Medium

 Several variables exist and the situation is unpredictable

Preparatory interventions[ii]

  • Research and insurance
  • Personal safety training
  • Hostage training
  • Contingency plans
  • Support actors have a CMT

4 | High

Conditions exist that are unsafe and situation is unpredictable

Preparatory interventions[ii]

  • Research and Insurance
  • Personal safety training         
  • Hostage training,
  • Advanced Security training   
  • Contingency and evac plan
  • Support actors have a CMT

6 | Very High

Constant and serious threats exist and situation is hostile

Preparatory interventions[ii]

  • Research and insurance
  • Personal safety training
  • Hostage training
  • Advanced security training
  • Contingencies and evac plan
  • Support actors have a CMT

South Africa Risk Assessment Levels

Overall: 2.8

Risks: Updated 18 June 2025

Manmade

Linked predominantly to human action or inaction

Terrorism

  • Sporadic terror threats
  • Presence of far-right and left-wing groups 

Human Trafficking

  • Human traffickers exploit locals and foreigners
  • The govt does not yet fully satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, although progress has been made

Crime

  • Armed robbery/home break-ins 
  • Violent muggings
  • Gang activities/ violence
  • Organised crime
  • Carjacking
  • Rape and sexual assault
  • Gender-based violence
  • Murder
  • Fraud and scams
  • Xenophobic violence
  • Kidnapping of high profile individuals
  • If possible, many spend a lot of money on ensuring personal safety and safety of property/ possessions, including hiring private security companies, taking out insurance, installing alarm systems and electric fences, owning dogs, etc.
  • Almost constant vigilance and caution should be exercised, especially when leaving the house and after dark

War

  • Not in the typical sense, but gang wars are prevalent in certain parts of the country

Political

  • Protests and demonstrations common (sometimes turning violent)
  • High levels of inequality and unemployment
  • Corruption prevalent
  • Widespread economic hardship
  • Ethnic clashes in some areas
  • Xenophobia and anti-migrant rhetoric exists

Religion

  • Freedom of religion under the constitution
  • Intra-ethnic persecution of converts to other religions does sometimes take place
  • Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 2023 is seen to impose on some freedoms

Vehicular

  • Many roads unmaintained (with potholes prevalent on roads in many parts of the country)
  • Road accidents common (including as a result of drunk driving)
  • Street lighting limited in certain areas, especially outside of urban areas
  • Not all vehicles on the road would be considered fully roadworthy

Infrastructure

  • Electricity outages have been common in the past and remain a possibility in future
  • Water cuts take place in certain areas (such as Gauteng) and interruptions are possible throughout the country
  • Safe and reliable public transport options limited in many parts of the country
  • Infrastructure can be damaged by flooding, which can affect water and sanitation infrastructure

Natural

Linked predominantly to conditions influenced by physical environmental elements


Disasters/Extreme weather

  • Earthquakes –  mostly tremors (not serious)
  • Landslides
  • Drought
  • Floods
  • Storms
  • Wildfires

Diseases

  • Influenza
  • TB & Hepatitis
  • Malaria in some areas
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Monkeypox
  • Rabies
  • Respiratory diphtheria

Food/Water Scarcity

  • Extreme weather, climate change (such as droughts and flooding)
  • Locust swarms add strain to subsistence farmers and supply chains

Pandemics/Epidemics

  • Swine flu
  • SARS/ COVID-19 (not a major concern anymore); the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, is an Omicron-descendent lineage derived from the recombinant variant XDV.1.5.1.)

Personal

Linked to the individual’s identity and unique status, traits and situation

Administrative

  • Visa challenges have been experienced by some
  • Public services unreliable at times

Identity Concerns

  • Xenophobia/ hostility towards foreign nationals (mainly those viewed as economic migrants seen to pose a threat to economic/ job/ physical/ national security) is present in some areas 
  • Discrimination and stigmatisation towards females, certain ethnicities, Albinism, and the disabled exists within some communities

Ease of Exit

  • It is easier for some groups/ individuals to be evacuated than others, such as US citizens
  • There are several international airports in South Africa, but over 400 airports and airstrips of varying sizes and purposes throughout the country
  • South Africa is considered to have advanced air traffic infrastructure

Language Barriers

  • English is the official language of the country, but communities in some areas of the country are not comfortable or proficient in English

Health System

  • Govt healthcare facilities lacking supplies/ staff; but private facilities, which are available to those who can afford it, is generally better equipped

Digital security

  • Cyber crime is prevalent (affecting the private sector, public sector, individuals etc.)
  • Online/ information privacy issues

Every day

  • Flight delays occur occasionally
  • Poor service delivery in some areas

Work/Presence

Linked specifically to conditions related to work as an expat


NGO

  • Bureaucratic obstacles