Protesters chant slogans during clashes believed to be linked to recent anti-foreigner violence in Reiger Park informal settlement, east of Johannesburg, May 19, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The current violent xenophobic attacks in South Africa are symptoms of deep-seated problems in the country, said Vodacom on Saturday.

"While it is clear that the attacks against foreigners are the symptom of deep-seated problems in our society, we cannot afford to burn down the house before we have tried to save it," the South African Press Association quoted Group chairman Oyama Mabandla as saying.

"Scapegoating our fellow Africans for these stresses and unleashing an orgy of violence and plunder against them is both egregiously wrong and shameful," he said.

Mabandla said leaders in society need to address the issues underlying the situation.

"We are calling on the attackers to lay down their weapons and our leaders to inspire confidence that solutions will be found," Mabandla said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25,2008)