Personal security - South Africa

I'm interested in getting a clear picture about personal safety in SA.
I intend in skipping Joburg but will be in CT and Durban and the smaller cities and villages along the coast. How safe are these places? Is it true not to walk/drive after dark?
Are the stories exagerated or should I really give the country a skip?
My plan is for a 2-3 week trip in Mar-Apr 2004.

Hallo Larry - perhaps you could consider using the new Travel Buddy security service that was specially created to help tourists. They have had tremendous success during the few months of operation. Have a look at the website: http://www.eblockwatch.co.za

Enjoy SA!
Koos Greeff.
Specialist Safari Operator.

If you are a normal adult male, with a fair dose of common sense, South
Africa is probably as safe as most places. My work takes me into townships regularly and one must just be vigilant. The same rules apply as when travelling in any 3rd world country that your not familiar with.
1. Try not to look to obviously like a tourist. Hanging an expensive camera round your neck is a great way to get mugged in many countries.
2. Don't flash great wads of US$, Yen or other hard currencies around.
3. Keep to areas that have good shops and entertainment facilities, don't go into run down areas or isolated places on your own.
If you miss Jo'burg you'll be missing a great experience go to Jo'burg but stay in Sandton ( take a tour to
Soweto) see one side of the countries past, visit Pretoria, Sun City, Monty
Casino(also a great place to stay but a bit expensive) Gold Reef City for a trip down a Gold Mine.
From Jo'burg to Kruger Park and the Eastern Transvaal, then onto Durban and
Natal finally to the Eastern Cape down Garden route to Cape Town.( A minimum of 3 weeks)
and unless your extremely unlucky or just plain stupid you'll have a great holiday. If travelling with a female extra caution should be exercised. My grown up daughters travel extensively through out SA on their own.
just my 2c worth.