Unprepared and Unprotected: The True Cost of Political Correctness in South Africa
How Censored Truths Lead to Deadly Consequences
Update: Recent reports suggest that Brook Cheuvront's death may have been the result of an accidental fall rather than a criminal incident. While Devil's Peak is considered a strenuous hike rather than a technical climb, accidents can still occur on such terrain. However, it's worth noting that authorities sometimes downplay criminal incidents in tourist areas to protect the location's image. Regardless of the exact circumstances, this tragedy underscores the importance of proper preparation and awareness when hiking in South Africa.
Dear South Africa Insight readers,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Brook Cheuvront, a 20-year-old University of North Carolina student majoring in Global Studies. Her body was found on Sunday after she went missing while hiking near Cape Town.
Brook was in South Africa on an internship with Justice Desk Africa, an organization that aims to "challenge and eliminate the root causes of injustice." This NGO focuses on teaching concepts like human rights, equality, and youth empowerment in African communities. They run workshops on topics such as gender-based violence prevention and "toxic masculinity," often led by well-meaning but naive Western volunteers.
While Justice Desk Africa busies itself with abstract notions of social justice, the harsh realities of South African crime continue unabated. There is a disconnect between the ideological concepts championed by these organizations and the daily dangers faced by both locals and visitors in South Africa.
Devil's Peak, where Brook went hiking alone, is one of Cape Town's most popular trails. Early reports suggest Brook may have been robbed before being killed, though full details are not yet available. This tragic incident highlights the realities and dangers facing visitors to South Africa, even in supposedly safe areas like Cape Town.
This tragedy highlights several uncomfortable truths:
Well-meaning Western students are often sent to developing countries unprepared for the realities on the ground. Teaching concepts like "social/racial injustice" is not just counterproductive; it makes it impossible to address deep-rooted safety concerns.
The narrative that everywhere is equally safe, regardless of demographics, is dangerously false, and the failing from the society to state this is out of political correctness and this failure of speaking about this have deadly consequences. As uncomfortable as it may be to admit for many white westerners whom have been steeped in political correctness, you are at higher risk outside your own groups than within it.
As Friedrich Nietzsche wisely observed, "The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently." By encouraging naive idealism without critical thinking about safety and reality, based on pure empirical statistical data, we do our young people a grave disservice where we put them in harms way.
This insight is tragically relevant to Brook's fate and the broader issue of Western students in Africa.
Our educational institutions, media, and social media platforms act as gatekeepers, stifling critical perspectives through deplatforming, censorship, and shadow banning. This leaves young people trapped in an idealistic bubble that values perceived moral alignment over critical thinking and self-preservation. Brook, like many of her peers, was likely indoctrinated to disregard cultural and demographic differences in the misguided pursuit of equality. She was encouraged to view the world through a distorted lens of universal human rights and social justice, rather than acknowledging the harsh realities of crime and cultural disparities in South Africa.
This indoctrination leaves Western youth ill-equipped to navigate the dangers of countries like South Africa. By teaching them to prioritize abstract notions over practical safety concerns, we set them up for potentially deadly encounters. In Brook's case, the belief that hiking alone in Cape Town was no more dangerous than doing so in North Carolina may have directly contributed to her tragic end. Whether facing criminal threats or just the terrain, solitary hiking exponentially increases risks. While Devil's Peak is considered a relatively easy hike, which likely influenced Brook's decision to go alone, it's crucial to understand that in Africa, no one should hike solo, regardless of the trail's difficulty.
We must break this cycle of naivety. It's crucial that we teach our youth to think critically about their surroundings, to acknowledge cultural differences, and to prioritize their safety over idealistic notions of a peaceful rainbow nation.
For those considering travel or work in South Africa, here are some essential safety tips:
Never hike alone, even on popular trails - especially if you are female.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe.
This point cannot be overstated, especially in the current climate where many Westerners are conditioned to suppress their natural instincts out of fear of being labeled "racist." The truth is, our instincts evolved over millennia to keep us safe. When we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, especially among people who are visibly different from us, it's natural to have a heightened sense of alertness.
In South Africa's diverse and often volatile social landscape, this awareness is crucial. Many visitors, raised on ideals of colorblindness and equality, mistakenly believe it's wrong or shameful to be more cautious around certain groups. This dangerous self-censorship of natural protective instincts can lead to ignoring red flags and entering hazardous situations.
Remember, exercising caution based on unfamiliarity or statistical realities is not the same as racial prejudice. It's about recognizing that different cultures have different norms and dangers. In South Africa, where violent crime rates are among the highest in the world, suppressing your instincts to appear politically correct can be a fatal mistake.
Trust your gut. If a situation, area, or group makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately without guilt. Your safety is more important than anyone's perception of your motivations. Being alive and falsely judged is far better than being a victim of violent crime.
Some other fast pointers:
Avoid displaying valuables or traveling with large amounts of cash.
Avoid all forms of public transportation, including taxis, buses, and trains. Instead, use reputable private car services or rent a vehicle from a well-known company if you're comfortable driving in South Africa.
Stay in well-populated, well-lit areas, and preferable depending on area don’t even drive out at night.
While South Africa has much to offer visitors, it's crucial to approach travel there acknowledging that this is still Africa, with all of its potential dangers. Only by acknowledging reality can we take appropriate precautions. A critical step towards that is to stop repeating the comforting lies that lead young women to believe it's safe to hike alone in Africa. These false narratives, born of political correctness rather than facts, put lives at risk.
As an end note. My thoughts are with Brook's family and loved ones during this difficult time, and may her tragic story serve as a wake-up call to better protect idealistic young people venturing into unfamiliar territory.
Stay safe and vigilant,
Jonas Nilsson
PS: I encourage readers to share this information with anyone considering travel or work in South Africa. While the country has much to offer, visitors must be aware of the very real risks. By spreading awareness, you could help ensure the safety of others.