"Let's make SA great again": Mzansi Africa scores lowest globally for personal safety perceptions

• South Africa placed last out of 144 countries in the 2025 Gallup Global Safety Report, with only 33% of residents feeling safe walking alone at night
• SADC neighbours Lesotho, Botswana (both at 34%), and Eswatini (40%) performed better than South Africa on the safety perception index
• Online users reacted strongly to the study, with opinions divided over tourism impact, policing priorities, and global safety comparisons

South Africa has been ranked as the least safe country in the world for walking alone at night, according to key findings from the Gallup Global Safety Report 2025. The statistics were shared on the Instagram account @thefeedcpt on 9 October 2026, stirring online discussion among residents. Out of 144 countries evaluated globally, South Africa placed dead last, with only one in three residents confirming they feel secure walking alone after dark.

Persistent crime concerns drive low perception scores

According to survey data compiled by global analytics firm Gallup, only 33% of South African residents feel safe walking alone at night in their local area. Gallup researchers emphasised that the index specifically evaluates personal safety perceptions and feelings of security rather than relying solely on official police crime statistics. High levels of violent crime and low trust in public security continue to drive down feelings of safety across local communities.

How South Africa compares globally

The rankings place South Africa below several African countries. Regional SADC partners Lesotho and Botswana both recorded a 34% safety score, while Eswatini reached 40%. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Singapore claimed the top spot worldwide, with an overwhelming 98% of citizens stating they feel safe walking alone at night.

Watch the Instagram reel about safety stats and Mzansi's ranking below:

Mzansi reacts to global safety ranking

Social media users expressed mixed feelings about South Africa placing last in the global safety index, with debate centring on domestic safety issues and international tourism. While some users voiced frustration over crime and government priorities, others argued that safety concerns exist globally and vary by region.

@capenomadsmuizenberg commented:

"We're really chasing holidaymakers away this year!"

@jadamour shared:

"Well, I live in Arizona USA, and I won't be walking around alone at night."

@hapibi31 wrote:

"It's my second home - sadly, not in a million years would I feel safe walking the streets alone 😢."

@levinos08 remarked:

"Yet they're so focused on everything happening in other countries. Classic diversion!"

@dj_skhing said:

"Let’s make SA great again ❤️."

@latinlyrics_ added:

"This is not a surprise."

Other crime-related articles

• South Africans were left rattled and calling for specialised intervention after US media highlighted the discovery of a ninth woman's body in Gauteng, escalating fears that a serial killer is operating in the area.
• A TikTok user shared a video detailing the country's five most dangerous cities based on murder rates per 100,000 residents, shocking many social media users.
• Briefly News reported that a local man advised financially able township residents to leave the township, arguing that the environment often encourages crime, gangsterism and alcohol abuse.

Source: Briefly News

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