Eight years after its new democracy, South Africa is faced with a significant drug and crime challenge. South Africa serves as a regional hub for illicit and dangerous activities. However, even with South Africa’s recognition of such a situation, they are undertaking strategic countermeasures. This country profile was written to assist the people and Government of South Africa in reducing the problems of drugs and crime at home and oversees. It presents an overview of both the drugs and crime situation in South Africa including policy, legislation, and organization related-issues that include terrorism and corruption. Information on the drug situation includes: (1) South Africa in the regional context; (2) consumption trends; (3) ethnic segmentation; (4) drug use and HIV/AIDS; (5) prevention and treatment; (6) trafficking trends; and (7) law enforcement. Information on the crime situation includes: (1) general trends; (2) geographic variations; (3) socio-economic variations; (4) violent crime; (5) organized crime; (6) corruption; (7) crime prevention; (8) criminal justice reform; and (9) international cooperation and anti-terrorism. Tables, graphs and references