Some of the junior physicians of Nongoma feel that I may have exaggerated the safety in rural South Africa. They do agree that the big cities like Joburg and Durban carry a lot of crime in the city centre and that my experience at Benedictine, a major hospital for miles around, is a magnet to all the crime – assaults, rapes, muggings – within this region beyond Nongoma. That is, with the serving population of 300, 000, we are bound to see crime.
From my perspective, I am still surprised by the amount and types of crime in rural South Africa and how people of Nongoma choose to stay indoors at night and consequently the main road lack evening entertainment or restaurants. The lack of night activities and the prevalence of alcoholism brew crime.
Yet, the people are so kind, warm, and generous. I believe this genuine kindness outweighs the few who terrorize the night. So don’t be afraid to visit South Africa, because there are kindhearted people in Nongoma that will care for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment