South Africa has very nice places & people but if you're not familiar with certain customs, you could get in trouble. Here are a few survival tips from a native of the land (me):
How to survive South Africa:
1) Don't act like you're not from here, you're making yourself a target.
2) If black with a foreign accent, ask questions to people in a private tone. Being a black person with a non-South African accent or speak uncommonly fluent English will make you a target.
2.1) Not everyone speaks English but many people do speak it. As long as you're in an urban or suburban area, you'll likely find someone who speaks English. The language you'll use in the countryside & rural areas depends on where you are.
3) Avoid suspicious places that you're unsure of unless you're going to walk briskly & with a concealed weapon in case of attack. If you're not black, avoid suspicious places that you're unsure of altogether.
4) Keep a low profile. Do what you're doing quickly & without falter then go home.
5) If you have valuable things (or people) in your home, don't get used to hosting parties even if you're white.
6) Go to social spaces with small groups of people you know/trust. Only go alone to places with many people/pedestrians & security.
6.1) Don't go alone to isolated places unless you're passing through quickly.