Embassy of South Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe; address 7 Elcombe Road, Belgravia, Harare; phone +2632422518843. Head of mission: Ms. R Mabudafhasi.
Head of mission: Ms. R Mabudafhasi, Ambassador (confirmed in the diplomatic list of South Africa, 15 Jan 2025)
South Africa offers a diverse and vibrant cultural experience, making it an appealing destination for some Zimbabwean visitors. With 3.3 million Zimbabweans traveling abroad annually, a portion of this group is likely to consider South Africa for their travels, highlighting its potential as a tourism hotspot despite recent fluctuations in visitor numbers.
South Africa presents certain safety concerns for tourists coming from Zimbabwe. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa ranks 125th out of 160 countries, which is lower than Zimbabwe's ranking of 119th. Crime statistics indicate significant differences in safety between the two countries. The murder rate in South Africa is notably higher at 41.9 per 100,000 people, compared to Zimbabwe's 6.1. Additionally, the rates of female murders are also higher in South Africa (9.5) than in Zimbabwe (1.9). In terms of organized crime, South Africa scores worse on several indices. For example, the index for mafia groups is 7.0 in South Africa compared to 3.5 in Zimbabwe. Similarly, South Africa has higher scores for arms trafficking (8.0) and synthetic drugs (8.5), indicating a more significant presence of organized crime. Overall, while South Africa has much to offer tourists, it is important for visitors to be aware of these safety statistics and take necessary precautions.