A new report in the Institute’s “True South Africa Evidence Series” looks at a gap between how safe South Africans feel and what official or available data may indicate. The article’s stated aim is to support a more data-driven public debate by providing evidence, context and perspective rather than relying on perceptions alone. It frames the discussion around the idea that public feelings of safety can differ from measured trends in risk, such as crime statistics or other indicators used to estimate safety levels. While the source provided does not include specific figures, findings or detailed arguments, it emphasizes that the series is designed to contextualize the relationship between reported experiences and the broader data environment. The report therefore focuses on understanding why perceived insecurity may persist even when the data does not necessarily reflect the same level of threat. Overall, it positions the issue as one requiring both quantitative evidence and contextual explanation to inform public discussion and policy considerations.