While the validity of posttraumatic growth has been repeatedly questioned, the prevalence of growth after exposure to trauma is widely established. Perceptions of posttraumatic growth were examined in a sample of South African adults (N = 135). Participants completed a selfadministered battery of questionnaires via an online trauma survey or in paper format. Data specific to the nature of the traumatic event, particularly the type of trauma, time since the traumatic event, the impact of the event and perceived threat of the event, were collected along with posttraumatic growth (PTG) scores. Age, gender and perceived social support were also assessed as variables. Results of the multivariate analyses indicated that PTG differed significantly as a function of the type of traumatic event. PTG also differed according to the time since the traumatic event, although the relationship was complex and subject to the additional moderating factors of depression, anxiety and stress. Examination of the growth factors further revealed a differential pattern of PTG according to event type, and a variable pattern of relationship to social support, perceived threat and impact of the trauma. The findings supported the view of PTG as a complex, highly subjective perception of growth that may involve many levels and aspects of change. The nature of PTG is important in the context of South Africa, for the individuals, and their families, who have been exposed to high levels of crime, violence, chronic illness and road accidents, and for a nation in the process of rebuilding itself.