From the editors

Our opposite house tenants vacated and in came new ones. A group of South African men moved in and it did instill some fear amongst us.

Please don?t get us wrong. We are definitely not racists as we should be tolerant of each other but the media has highlighted enough to scare the life out of us. We do not mind if they are a group of genuine students who uphold values but too many unpleasant things have been brewing lately. Women and young girls became drug mules after befriending sweet-talking South African friends, scams, cloned credit cards being exposed, counterfeit money syndicates and the list goes on. Of course there are good Africans around but the rotten apples have tarnished the image. Can we not fear if the same modi operandi are used to lure innocent young ones? It just make us feel uncomfortable.

There was a little talk with that house owner about the fears, as daily only women, children and maids are left to fend for themselves at home. But the reply was, why should the owner terminate the tenancy agreement if the expats pay a higher price. Unless we are willing to pay the same rental in exchange, then there is space to accommodate things. Local tenants do not pay that well.

Very soon other houses may convert their dwellings to house more Africans if they see only the monetary side. Neighbourly humanity civilizations cannot be built merely on money achievements but if families live close together side by side, we should be considerate and thoughtful about the neighbourhood.

Of course any house owner can have his or her right to their new rental of tenants but can we think about living together harmoniously especially in times of trial rather than placing all emphasis on what money can bring. Can monetary gains give the whole neighbourhood peace and safe living, an image much loved by everyone?

Richard & Catherine