what is a fool proof way to secure your luggage at the airports in south africa?

Nothing, Africans, although inept in virtually all other fields, do make for excellent criminals and will always find a way into the property of others or rather a way to criminally enrich themselves at the expense of others, that is their natural survival instinct, to steal (also to breed), they were not blessed with the ability to invent, create and master as were Europeans and Asians.

South Africans will have to accept that they live in Africa in what is fast becoming a truly African country and come to terms with this sort of behaviour as being the norm in an uncivilised society.

Perhaps it is best to start of with a suitcase that looks like it has already been pilfered with. Gladwrap your case, then slit it open, and then tape it all up again! And make sure to use an old suitcase that looks like your great grandmother had it before you! Perhaps one can buy some snazzy-looking suitcase covers to use when arriving at the destination.

Of do like Leon Schuster and put a tololoshe in the case, or a snake like the others suggest:

http://www.google.de/search?hl=en&q=tokoloshe+in+s...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEVdalEJ_X4

I'm afraid there is not much one can do!

On my last trip to SA nothing of mine was taken but I am expecting to be going back in December again and I hope this does not happen but if it does there is not much I can do.

This is why I asked the question about 2010 because the thieves in SA are going to give it an atrocious name from crime (not that it doesn't have one already but it will become more recognised) because they will now experience it first hand, the tourists that is.

I agree with Bull he's right TIA - This Is Africa

I would love to know. I am going to NZ and have pack all my life into suitcases. I will keep all my jewlery in my carry on, but what about my clothes? and my belongings?

I will glad wrap it (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) and lock it. I even want to put cardboard between my belongings in case they decide to slash it. Im hoping and praying that by having 2 suitcases and splitting things between them I should be safe for at least one of them.

+add+

Check out this story http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Super14/0,,2-9-...

Reading all the answers and your question, I suggest you buy a Gulfstream G150, then nobody will even touch your luggage. You will be a hit among your friends. It has a range of only 5500km at 850km/h. You will have to refuel once or twice.

http://www.gulfstream.com/g150/

O yes, about R140 mil, but your stress levels will drop for sure.

Paint voodoo signs on your luggage. Glue some imitation chicken feet on by the locks.

I found that everytime my suitcase was glad wrapped, someone opened it and stole something. It's like hanging a sign that says: There's something in there you would want".

You will never stop the Africoons from looting. That and destruction is the only thing they are any good at. Only when the Airports stop employing them and employ trustworthy people will it ever stop and you know that will never happen because of the racist Employment Laws.

Travel smart travel light.I have traveled dozens of time and so far. Touch wood I did not have a luggage problem as yet.

Stick a warning sign on - 'Poisonous snake' .

Sorry to hear about your damage - hope you put massive complaints in!