Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG (CNN) -- Vacant buildings are everywhere in the downtown area of South Africa's largest city and business hub, and crime is considered a main reason for the migration of both residents and tourists from the city center.

Even The Carlton, one of downtown Johannesburg's most luxurious hotels, closed its doors this past spring.

In contrast, the Park Hyatt in suburban Rosebank is a big hit. Hans Heyligers, general manager of the Park Hyatt, attributed the hotel's success to the character of the area. "Rosebank is a very nice area as it still has a little bit of cosmopolitan feel about it. And it's a safe and secure area," he said.

The late August bombing of a Planet Hollywood restaurant in another of the nation's largest cities, Cape Town, brought the world's attention to a security problem that has been plaguing South Africa since it began its transition to a democratic government.

There are other stories of attacks against tourists: An American and his South African companion were abducted and murdered in Cape Town over the last Christmas holiday season. Soon after, a German tourist was stabbed to death in front of his two small sons while walking on a beach in Durban.

	For detailed information on safety and security read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet for South Africa. Also see the Public Announcement that followed the August bombing in Cape Town.
more information
	To get the pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," contact: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Gov't Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402

The U.S. State Department's consular information sheet says crime is seen as a potential threat to the stability of the South African government, and that despite efforts to reduce it, significant criminal activity -- including assault and armed robbery -- continues, particularly in the cities and in areas around suburban hotels and public transportation centers. The State Department also advises visitors to use caution in downtown areas surrounding hotels.

Following the Cape Town bombing, the State Department issued a public announcement urging Americans in urban areas of South Africa to exercise caution and to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and other potentially volatile situations.

The South African government has long been aware of the crime problem. But this year President Nelson Mandela assured the nation that there had been a "marked decline in virtually all serious crimes such as murder, robbery, taxi violence, car hijacking and others" since 1994.

Mandela has said that both the criminal justice system and South Africa's police service are in a transitional phase as the country moves from apartheid-era institutions to truly democratic and public service-oriented organizations.

He also has emphasized the importance of job creation in preventing crime.

South Africa already has the continent's most stable economy, built on gold and diamonds discovered in the 19th century. And, while many in the majority black population are poor, there is a growing middle class.

But, Bernadette Moffat, who opened a chain of laundromats around Johannesburg with her American husband, Michael Giles, said democracy itself depends on economic growth.

"This economy simply has to grow in order to fulfill the aspirations of the majority of the people. Democracy will not mean anything unless we have economic growth," she said.