Is it relatively save to travel by train between towns and cities in South Africa?

It is safe to do. Just make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Also, judging by your picture, make sure to bring sunblock with you.

No Darth it is not safe. You get mugged, robbed or thrown off the trains. One guy in our office has to use the train regularly between home and work and he has been attached 3 times already in that last year. STAY OFF TRAINS IN SA.

No it isnt, expect if being robbed and assualt is the norm of the day for you

I would not recomend it. So many people pick pockets and some are mostly crowded. Do get a second opinion though because I have never used a train and am going on what I have heard from many people who use trains.

No it isn't, trains in SA are not safe at all.

No it is not safe. Try Baz Bus for intercity transfers - this is safe and cheap plus you also get to meet like minded travellers

www.bazbus.com - if they don't do the routing you need, I am sure they would be able to recommend another company that does

Frankly i don't know. The last time i was on a train was when i we travelled from Capetown to Durban and it took 4 days to do so. We had 3 locomotive's pulling the train.