Among other relatives, my Aunt and Uncle have lived in SA for over 40 years, and I think its more a case of altering your attitude to keep youself safe. Its a very beautiful country, but like anywhere it has its problems.
If you go there and continue to walk around in the same way as at home, you are more likely to become a target. Things such as if someone steps out in the road in front of your car here, you step on the brakes, over there I am advised you should step on the accelerator
I guess anyone making the trip and taking sensible precautions will be just fine
