Inside South Africa: Johannesburg Rises Above Its Apartheid Past - New York Times

This is the second blog I've started. The first was started late in June and is also still in its infancy. I posted the topic below in that blog before I decided on this second blog. It really should have been posted here. If you're interested in what follows below, follow the link for the rest of the posting and a link to the New York Times article... I'm hoping to complete this blog's template during the weekend. Original postings to follow soon!

Inside South Africa: Johannesburg Rises Above Its Apartheid Past - New York Times: "Johannesburg Rises Above Its Apartheid Past - New York Times
I'm a great fan of the New York Times (NYT) - online edition. Their articles are often on the long side, but very informative. While some may be put off by the fact that the NYT definitely caters for Democrats (as in supporters of the USA's Democratic Party), it mostly provides ample exposure for various conflicting opinions on the same issue - where applicable.

As a South African, active in our tourism industry, I'm always very curious to read foreign perspectives on our product in general, or specific attractions / destinations within South Africa or the greater region (Southern Africa).

Sometimes, with some of the enquiries we get at Africa Deluxe Tours for South African tours, potential clients will clearly state that they want to avoid Johannesburg at all cost. This is due to their perceptions of it being a very dangerous destination, because of high crime levels.

Truth be told, it can indeed be a very dangerous place - especially if you don't know it. We normally recommend visitors to include Johannesburg in their itineraries (depending on what they want to get out of their travels of course), but that they make use of a reputable operator in doing so. Otherwise they may well run into trouble. The main reason for using a reputable operator, in this case, has to do with safety considerations. However, a tourist guide -if (s)he's worth his salt- will also add a lot of value in unlocking an unknown city for you. This is especially true of a destination like Soweto (part of Johannesburg), which features a culture and way of life alien to most non-African visitors."