Freddy Serfontein: Unfortunately, many South Africans seem to think all foreigners are criminals but forget that many of their own people are no angels. The mentality that South Africa is only for South Africans is so short-sighted and narrow-minded, as no country in the world has no foreigners. We all agree that if they are undocumented, then they must go, but those who are here legally should carry on working. If locals don’t want to do the jobs, then that’s their own fault.

Secondly, another myth is about low pay. Yes, there are farms and factories which take advantage, but most people will pay foreigners more because their work ethic is better and they are more willing. Currently, the minimum wage is R240 for an eight-hour day, so even if you offered South African workers R350 or R400, they come with stories, but foreigners are happy with it. If you don’t want to work, then it’s your fault.

Brådley Bauer-Buthelezi II: A privileged perspective, you should go to Durban in Point Road and see for yourselves. Must do a documentary on these “myths”.

Kirsten Northend: Regardless of the myths or otherwise, the way these people have been treated is nothing short of disgusting. Overnight, thousands of innocent people were made homeless and forced to leave their communities with little more than the clothes on their backs. It’s not OK, and I’m ashamed to be South African. Not only that, but the hateful comments being spewed by people who support this mass expulsion are frightening. The way the government has allowed this is disgraceful.

Marlene Retief: What’s happened is inhumane and disgusting. I am also ashamed to be a South African.
So many innocent, hardworking people’s lives have been destroyed.
How can the people who did this think it’s OK? And do they honestly think that thousands of jobs will now become available? I would rather not employ anyone, so the maths doesn’t add up, unfortunately. I foresee unemployment getting worse.

Alvin Cawthorn: I firmly believe that when South Africans take out their frustrations and hatred on immigrants, the useless, incompetent and corrupt government wins, as the blame is not put at its feet, where it should be.
Immigration control, crime and unemployment are just three of the major areas in which our government has failed. By convincing us that the problem is immigrants and driving hate towards them, it is not held accountable. When are we going to mobilise like we did on June 30 against the real problem, an incompetent government? Instead, millions of us will still vote for the ANC.

Wendy Robert: More South Africans are now going to be without work. Take one look at the sugar industry – it’s on the brink of collapse due to a shortage of cane cutters. And the locals? Nowhere to be found.