Tweetiepie - five years or so we travelled independently to SA, picked up a car in Cape Town, drove through the wine region up to Ooutsdoorn (apologies for spelling), then down the garden route from George, I think, back to Cape Town. When in UK towns I always keep my car doors locked, did exactly the same in SA, ensured that the windows were up (had air con), didn't have a problem at all and would visit again in a heart beat. Enjoy.

Thanks scoya, its just as I thought really. Use the same sort of common sense that you would use where ever you may be.

I also would echo the points that it is simple saftey that counts.
I wouldn't hesitate to drive from C.T. to P.E.

2005 myself, the other half, my best mate and his other half, traveled the length of S.A.

Started of in C.T. onto George and Knysna, doing the fantastic steam train between the two towns,
Then onto Port Elizabeth and East London.
We stopped a night in Knysna, and again a night in East London.
Carried on up past Umtata and Kokstad, I think we next stopped in Durban, not quite sure.
Then a day there in Durban, and a drive onto Ladysmith.
Our goal was the 125th commemoration of the war between the British soldiers and the Zulu's
Drove through Dundee and onto Isandlhwana
We had a full day of re-enactment, complete with full battle dress from both sides.
The Henry Martini rifles are quite a formiddable weapon.
I can't remember the full way back but we covered about 3000 miles.
Probably back through Harrismith, Bethlehem, as I know we stopped a night in Bloemfontein.
I have some fantastic photos if people would like to see them.

As far as the topic go's, saftey is sensible precautions.
I and all my travelers always felt safe,
there was times in East London, where there were no whites to be seen anywhere, it was a little strange, wut not unduly worrying.

I would do it all again tomorrow, just save a pot of money up, and get a break from work.

Just to confirm the common sense bit of driving in South Africa. My husband and I have driven all over the country and also the garden route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The 'common sense' thing is not on any account to pick up anyone on the road whom you don't know. As someone has already said if you are slowing down or stopping keep your doors locked. Rent a phone in the airport when you arrive; useful in case of break downs, getting lost or in any emergency....it's very reasonable in cost. Cape Town is a beautiful, historic city with lots to see and do within easy reach. Places are not too far apart on this particular drive so it's not as if you're going into miles and miles of wilderness. Go wine tasting at Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek. Try and see some of the Karoo, (Oudtshoorn, Nieu Bethesda, Graaf Rienet)small towns near Robertson, (Montagu is lovely), Wilderness (the place), Knysna, Tsitsikama & Storms River, (try and get accomodation at the Tsitsikama Lodge), Natures Valley, (easy drive from Tsitsikama) and Port Elizabeth itself is an interesting city. The South African roads are superb for the most part.
Tell your husband not to miss the chance of experiencing this gorgeous country with wonderful people. We have driven this twice and loved it. I would take similar precautions driving in any country which was strange or new to me.
Hope you go and I know you will enjoy.