South Africa has been list as one of the safest countries if a global war were to occur.
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“Remove South Africa from the list.”
This has been the resounding sentiment among netizens after South Africa was included in a list of countries deemed safest in the event of world conflict.
Following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated by launching attacks on its neighbours, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, where US military bases are located.
This escalating conflict has led to airspace closures and grounded flights, resulting in ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
As geopolitical tensions rise, concerns about a potential global conflict have intensified.
This has reignited discussions about world conflict, leading to the release of a list of 12 countries perceived to be the safest should such a conflict occur.
While no place can truly be considered safe in a global war, some nations are generally viewed as relatively safer than others.
The countries included in this list were selected based on factors such as geographical isolation, limited strategic value in a global conflict, available resources and overall stability.
Some of these nations also rely less on global trade, making them less vulnerable to international disruptions. Here are the perceived safest countries:
South Africa, often affectionately referred to as Mzansi, was included in this list due to its abundant natural resources, such as fertile land and fresh water.
The country’s modern infrastructure could potentially enhance survival chances in the event of World War III.
However, the inclusion of South Africa has sparked mixed reactions on X. Here’s what some netizens had to say:
@MsNtuli said: “Remove 11 from this list. Please. There are a few other African neighbours that are available - accommodation, no real rules, authentic experiences, etc.”
@CaptMylo commented: “South Africa actually made the list 🧐.”
@SeNamile_ZA said: “This is misleading information. South Africa is a very dangerous place.”
While @RynoJvVuuren said: “HAHAHA! South Africa is not safe now. One of the highest murder and rape rates in the world.”
While South Africa remains a popular tourist destination, a recent study by Numbeo, a global database providing quality-of-life insights, ranked Mzansi as the fifth most dangerous country to visit in 2025.
The ranking is based on a crime index that evaluates 147 nations, placing South Africa just behind Afghanistan.
Venezuela topped the list as the most dangerous destination, scoring 80.7 out of 100.
It was followed by Papua New Guinea (80.3), Haiti (78.9), and Afghanistan (75.1). South Africa, with a crime index of 74.7, rounded out the top five.
The debate over South Africa's safety in the context of a potential World War III highlights the complexities of assessing safety in a global conflict.
While the country possesses resources and infrastructure that could be advantageous, its high crime rates and safety concerns cannot be overlooked.
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, it is essential for individuals to remain informed and cautious when considering travel or residence in regions with known safety issues.