What is a good travel debit-like card to use in South Africa and Spain??

I went to Costa Rica a few years ago and I brought a AAA travel card with me, and that worked great. I'm unsure if I should get that again, or wether there is now something better out to use in case of emergencies. I don't want to get a credit card (i'd rather pre-load another one just in case my debit card isn't working), and I heard traveler's checks are pretty much useless in South Africa (esp where I'm going). Any help or suggestions is much appreciated:)
I was told that the area I'm going to is really rural and that they won't take them there. (phalaborwa)

Diners club is popular in South Africa. I don't know who told you this ,but you shouldn't have problems with travellers checks in South Africa.

My friend had a special debit card from Rennies when she came to visit me and when she went to Italy (so it would probably work in Spain). It worked pretty well, the only problem was that it was really expensive for her to withdraw cash, but it was associated with Visa so she could swipe it most places and didn't need much cash on hand. Just make sure you find out about any charges etc and if you use an ATM be vigilant.

Enjoy your trip and keep safe :-)

When I was in SA I used my normal banking debit card, that is a maestro and ec card. It worked at the absa bank cash points (atm´s) and it works all over Europe:
http://www.mastercard.com/index.html

And please do not be mistaken, Phalaborwa is not the end of the world. It is a modern town with shopping malls, banking facilities and everything you need, including an absa bank:
http://www.phalaborwa-info.com/