I am perturbed at the xenophobia in some of our townships.

I am perturbed at the xenophobia in some of our townships.

We must remember that when Botha, Verwoerd and their likes were thirsting for black blood, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda and other African states harboured our young men and Umkhonto we Sizwe.

It's strange to see how now that our brothers seek refuge - not to fight an armed struggle but in search of a safe harbour - we turn around and kick them in the teeth.

Yes, I acknowledge that there are ruffians among the foreigners, but the majority are honest hard working people. We must face it, no one is perfect and even though it was not publicised, I am sure that some of our boys also got up to no good in exile.

Let's take the high moral ground and accommodate our brothers because Africa is for the Africans.

Our continent is rich in minerals, much richer than the rest of the world, but Africa receives mostly handouts because the poorest people can be found in Africa.

Asibambaneni maAfrica, together we can rule the world.

Gugu Mabele, Johannesburg