Eric Edelstein

I just returned from a whirlwhind trip to South America, where I spent time in Uruguay and Brazil.

When I arrived in Sao Paulo in Brazil I was told by the hotel staff a very similar message which I assume is being told to all visitors to South Africa…

be careful, don’t wear jewellery, don’t allow your cell phone and digital camera to be visible

And then last night I watched the incredible story of Jaime Peterson and her family on Carte Blanche and decided to write about my experience in Sao Paulo - hopefully one of the ideas people write or speak about will make a difference in reducing crime in South Africa.

THIS BLOG POSTING IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE BRAVERY OF JAIME PETERSON. 

I was staying in Jardins in Sao Paulo which is a good neighbourhood. It was startling to see the security there compared to South Africa.

Two things were eye openers…

1. The cash collection vehicles look like highly fortified tanks. And although you don’t see the machine guns we’re now used to seeing in South Africa, the guys stand with their 9mm’s by their sides (not in their holsters). Everytime I saw one it felt like a Scorpions team about to raid a top 5 Drug dealer.

2. The buildings. Every building in Sao Paulo is different architecture, so you’ll find a bauhaus next to a victorian apartment block which stands next to a steel and glass 2000’s creation. BUT every building has one thing in common - a HUGE see through gate on the outside - so poles rather than bricks, but unthinkable to jump over as SO high. And entrance to the building is via double gates - open the first gate, close first gate, clear security, open second gate, and enter the perfect manicured gardens (and they were PERFECT with palm trees swaying in the wind behind the fortified gates).

And the security? WOW! Every building has a room between gate 1 and gate 2, where a no nonsense security guard is sitting. The room has a 1 way glass panel overlooking the street. The security guards appear HIGHLY trained.

So basically, walk down a single street, and you have guards looking at you every minute as you pass from one space to another.

And there were police ALL over the place.

Yet, either with all of this, Sao Paulo is meant to be as dangerous as JHB.