High Commission of South Africa in Lilongwe, Malawi; address Plot 19, Convention Drive, Area 40, 15; phone +2651773722. Head of mission: Ms. Y L…
Head of mission: Ms. Y L Myakayaka-Manzini, High Commissioner (confirmed in the diplomatic list of South Africa, 15 Jan 2025)
South Africa offers a rich diversity and vibrant culture, making it an appealing destination for some Malawians. Despite recent fluctuations in tourism, the country's resilience and potential attract a segment of Malawi's 20 million population.
South Africa presents certain safety concerns for tourists, particularly when compared to Malawi. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa ranks 125th out of 160 countries, while Malawi is ranked 77th, indicating a higher level of safety in Malawi. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in South Africa is significantly higher at 41.9 per 100,000 people, compared to Malawi's rate of 1.8. Additionally, South Africa has a female murder rate of 9.5, while data for Malawi is not available. The Global Organized Crime Index also highlights the challenges in South Africa, with higher indices indicating more severe issues related to mafia groups (7.0), crime networks (7.0), and state crime (7.5). In contrast, Malawi scores better in these categories, with indices of 2.0 for mafia groups and 3.0 for crime networks. Overall, while many tourists visit South Africa without incident, it is advisable to exercise caution and stay informed about safety measures when traveling from Malawi.