In addition to violent street crime, South Africa is faced with spreading organized crime and accompanying political corruption. While most foreign businesses can control violent street crime through countermeasures and increased insurance premiums, organized crime is less controllable and more insidious. The government's ability to contain both violent and organized crime will determine if South Africa's transition to multiparty democracy and minority rule is ultimately successful. The history of gangs or syndicates in South Africa is reviewed. Measures taken by government agencies, including law enforcement, to curb drug smuggling into and transshipment through South Africa and to deal with domestic drug use are considered. Law enforcement efforts to prevent carjacking and motor vehicle theft and to control money laundering are examined. The involvement of organized criminal elements in sophisticated commercial crimes, including embezzlement, is noted. The author concludes by discussing the effect of organized crime on foreign investments in South Africa and appropriate law enforcement and private sector responses to organized crime. 33 endnotes and 1 table