I think pick another hostel next time (if there is going to be a next time)
Where you have high income inequality, you have violence. South Africa is at the top of that inequality list. Most of South America and India have the same violence problem. 85% of all violent crimes in South Africa is commited in the "townships". 80% of murders are commited by people known to the victim. Andre should watch out for the guy he is putting out the squad lol (sorry dark joke)
When the South African government banned the sale of alcohol during the coronavirus lockdown, violent crime dropped to nearly 80% in the country. Clearly have a massive problem there and an opportunity to reduce violent crime.
As Jeremy Brockie said, the country is safe when you know were not to go. Andre is probably living in Durban's northern suburbs like Umhlanga. His safe.
No real plans to visit again, though crime aside is a beautiful country.
For sure De Jong will be at Umhlanga Rocks or similar gated community. But you can never be completely safe there. Every South African expat you meet either has a trail of a nasty crime they have personally been subject to, or knows someone who has.
Benni McCarthy was sitting in a Joburg barber chair, and had his watch taken off him at gunpoint. Not the smartest to wear your flashy Rolex or whatever out and about, but certainly sports stars are not immune to being targets - though unlike McCarthy imagine Andre won't have a huge profile over there.