EFF leader Julius Malema believes that disgruntled SA citizens should vent out their frustrations on the ruling party and not foreign nationals.

Malema was addressing thousands of supporters during an EFF Freedom Day rally at Inanda near Durban on Monday.

Speaking on the recent xenophobic attacks, Malema told those gathered at the event that their anger should be directed at the people they (residents) had voted in power.

“So don't blame our brothers and sisters from Africa. You are unemployed, you stay in a shack....blame your government. You did not vote for any foreign national. Take your anger out on the people you voted for,” he said.

“The people of Mozambique are not the ones who said Zuma must build a R1 million cattle kraal. In the pent house called Luthuli house is where you will find people who are stealing your houses and jobs,” he added.

President Zuma however told those at the Freedom Day rally at the Union Buildings in Pretoria that the reason behind the influx of foreign nationals needed to be investigated, adding that African leaders needed to take responsibility.

“Our brother countries contribute to this. Why are their citizens not in their countries? It is not useful to criticise South Africa as if we mushroom these foreign nationals and then ill-treat them. Some (immigrants) said if you raise your voice in country X you disappear,” he said.

“What prompts these refugees to be in South Africa? It’s a matter we cannot shy away from discussing,” Zuma said.