Embassy of Cuba in Pretoria, South Africa; address 45 Mackenzie Street, 0011, Pretoria; phone +27878980018. Head of mission: Ms. Maria De Los Angeles Sueiro…
Head of mission: Ms. Maria De Los Angeles Sueiro Rosabal, Counselor (as listed in the diplomatic list of Cuba, 29 Nov 2024)
Cuba offers a captivating mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an appealing destination for some South Africans. Its colonial architecture, vibrant salsa music, and stunning beaches contribute to its charm. Despite recent challenges, tourism remains vital to Cuba's identity and economy, attracting a segment of South Africa's 60 million population.
Cuba is generally considered safer for tourists compared to South Africa. According to the Global Peace Index, Cuba ranks 96th out of 160 countries, while South Africa ranks 125th. The murder rate in Cuba is significantly lower at 5.0 per 100,000 people, compared to South Africa's rate of 41.9. In terms of organized crime, Cuba also fares better on several indices. For instance, the mafia groups index ranks South Africa at 7.0 and Cuba at 4.0, indicating a lower presence of organized crime in Cuba. Additionally, Cuba scores lower in crime networks (2.5 vs. 7.0 in South Africa) and arms trafficking (1.5 vs. 8.0 in South Africa). Overall, while no destination is without risk, tourists from South Africa may find Cuba to be a relatively safer option for travel.