My adopted country since my teens, you will forgive me for being somewhat biased when it comes to South Africa.

The Rainbow Nation or Mzansi as it is often called, is both fiercely proud of its achievements (such as in constitutional and civil liberties), and strongly critical of its continuing disappointments (such as in inequality and corruption).

South Africa has many wonderful things to see and experience, and best of all its excellent tourist infrastructure makes it very easy for independent travellers.
Most visitors are concerned about being victims of crime and are usually pleasantly surprised that by following simple, prudent practices you would follow anywhere else, it is not an issue.