Is it true you must not stop at Red lights in South Africa while driving?

If the rule of thumb would be to not stop at a red light (in South Africa), traffic lights would be pointless.

if there is a rule of thumb in relation to this, it's that if you are driving and you feel threatened, if running a red light will diminish the threat, it's reasonably OK to run a red light.

I lived (and drove) in Johannesburg for about 2.5 years, and the above reasonably sums up the general consensus among South Africans. I never ran a red light, seldom heard about others doing it and never heard about anyone being fined for it.

However, if you run a red light during rush hour in Sandton (a suburb of Johannesburg), the cops are likely to go after you if they notice.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep valuables out of sight. Much more common than carjackings are smash-and-grabs: someone throws a brick through your car window and grabs valuables in sight, running off with them.

Also, at all times, at least make it appear as if you know what you're doing.

As important, it tends to be risky to not cooperate when a carjacking does happen. But, that said, I've been told plenty of stories (and was in one myself) where the 'victim' pointedly did not cooperate, was not robbed and nothing happened. Whether also the safest course of action is, of course, debatable.

I was born in Johannesburg, and lived in South Africa for 22 years. I drove my self around since I was 18. I have spent time in all the major cities and driven the Johannesburg-Cape Town road (~1500 km) at least 10 times.

From my experience, you certainly should stop for red traffic lights and generally obey all rules of the road. The only possible exception would be in rurual / unsafe areas, late at night. However, I would strongly recommend avoiding that situation. Stay in built up, "tourist" areas, particularly late at night. If you are unsure, ask your accommodation, they will be happy to advise.

I have family and friends in Pretoria and Johannesburg, and they all stop at a red lights. But this is my opinion

Yes ofcourse, we do stop when the traffic signal shows red light as it clearly means to Stop. I have relatives staying at South Africa and I have never heard of them saying they do not stop at red light of traffic signal. But yes,different countries have different traffic rules so it would be better if you would hire a driver for your own safety.