Here are some web sites you should see:
http://www.southafrica.net/heritage/...ells_plain.cfm
http://www.dplg.gov.za/html/progs/ur...llsProfile.htm
http://www.faranani.org.za/capeflats/tships.htm
http://www.socdev.gov.za/Statements/...gust/kaya1.htm

Your son has the chance to experience a life none of us can imagine.
Thousands of people living in a variety of housing - some in very nice
homes, some in not-so-nice-homes, some in shacks. This is an area
populated predominantly by mixed-race South Africans described
as Coloureds - Islam is the main religion, but that is nothing to fear,
despite the drumbeat of warnings about Muslims. He should be
cautious about his movements, displaying his funds and possessions.
But he is essentially safe, if he is cautious. And he will meet some
wonderful hard-working South Africans.

He will be very close to the water - False Bay. The nearest
community outside Mitchell's Plain would be Muizenburg..
The basically all-black township of Khayalitsha is adjacent
to Mitchell's Plain, and much less secure for an outsider.
His hosts will make that clear.