Is SA really as dangerous as people say it is?
Depends what people you've been listening too
Compared to where is another good question. If you're coming from Kinshasa it's pretty tame; so I'm told.
Depends where in SA you're talking talking about also. Jo'burg CBD for example, by night is reputed to be very dangerous. I wouldn't know because I've never felt suicidal enough to find out first hand. I lived for fairly long periods of time there and I'll say this. You need to feel your way around at first taking advice from South African friends you'll make. As you spend more time there and understand it better it'll become safer because the neccessary precautions become more intuitive.
Don't worry about being blond, plenty of them in SA.
Crime rate is very high. Car jackings do occur. On the other hand plenty of people enjoy the place. It's not for everyone. You'll know if it's for you soon enough after you arrive.