To Hate or Not to Hate- that is the question most South African nationals are finding difficult to answer following the current wave of xenophobia related violence that has to date claimed at least 22 foreigners in that country.

South Africans who discussed this issue with this reporter have revealed mixed feelings though they hint the violence is inhuman and is a violation of human rights.

One SA citizen who preferred anonymity said he is so confused about this situation of xenophobia.

“I always wanted the foreigners to go back to their home countries and stop increasing the population in SA, because I sometimes blame them for the crime in our country.”

“I must say there are so many bad things that these people are going, but on the other hand when South Africa was in crisis during the apartheid era most of South Africans went to other countries for help such as shelter and to acquire skills.”

“It is not human to kill people touché them there way things are being done in Gauteng. Look, I am not sure which side I am in,” he said.

From last week, South Africans have been targeting Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, who to a larger extent are accused of taking jobs and fuelling the high rate of violent crime.

The SA citizen went on to say why lazy people should always find something or someone to blame if they are not working.

“Some of the foreigners are not even working. They do business because they saw a gap and told themselves that they are going to make a living by selling but we do not do that. We wait for the government to give us grants and all that.”

“Most of us are learned and we know that there are so many opportunities in the country, but what do South Africans do? They sleep and hope that things will happen,” he said.

He adds one another thing is some of the foreigners are academics who have helped the country with skills shortage.

“Like doctors, engineers and lecturers of which we still lack. Well, I don’t condone the high influx of foreigners coming to our country, but South Africans must stop complaining and start doing things for themselves. This thing is a bit tricky, but we must condemn these attacks of foreigners,” he concluded.

According to media reports, the South African police and army are failing to curtail the violence, which has resulted in some foreigners being set on fire. Other SA hooligans are also said to have taken advantage of the situation and are looting foreign owned business, especially shops and internet cafes.

Zama Mzimela of East London says it is a sad moment, and at the same time it is a complicated situation.

“Believe me he is a very nice, polite guy, but now he feels he needs to be more careful of what he is saying and how polite he may be to the person next to him,” he said.

Mzimela said that is so bad because one can tell he is not free at all. We keep on assuring him that at least Eastern Cape is less violent and people are friendly, but when we watch news and the way this thing is spreading in Jo’burg it’s really scary.

“What we can do about this I think it’s getting out of hand,” he asked.

Another SA national said xenophobia (especially referring to the foreigner who set on fire) - this is violation of human rights, although I sometimes reserve my sentiments.

“That’s you call to discuss xenophobia and illegal immigrants. Have we learnt nothing from our past?” asked the South African.

Nelson Mandela, among other SA celebrities is understood to have criticised the xenophobia attacks, whilst some of the personalities went to the extent of protesting on the streets.

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