I AM AFRICAN. I was born on this continent, I have lived my life on it, and no office, no title, and no momentary outburst from an elected official gives anyone the standing to tell me, or any other South African, otherwise. It is in that spirit that I write, not as a politician, but as a child of this village who believes some things are worth saying plainly.

A letter writer responds to eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba's controversial remarks, asserting the right to identity and belonging in South Africa.

I AM AFRICAN. I was born on this continent, I have lived my life on it, and no office, no title, and no momentary outburst from an elected official gives anyone the standing to…