I'm not sure if Jonny Steinberg's questions were answered in "A living to be made from fear and loathing, so they say" (January 2).

I'm also not sure if his research was meant to inform or embarrass us as South Africans or promote the Somalis' mysterious operations.

Let me at least express my dissatisfaction with the omission of questions that would have completed the picture:

1.Are these businesses legally compliant and are they paying taxes, UIF, PAYE, etc?

2. How compliant are they with labour laws? Do any South Africans work for them?

3. How are these businesses funded? Can they show where their start-up capital came from, or whether they, being so concerned with security, do any banking?

4. Are these business operators and staff in South Africa legally?

Perhaps there should be a follow-up column so that our judgment is an informed one. - Tebogo, by e-mail

• I don't agree with the Somalis. They bulldoze their way into the townships by promising to pay high rents just to do business. Out of greed, people offer them trading spaces.

I don't buy from their shops - I support South Africans of any colour. - Lele Koko, Orlando West

• Foreigners display a work ethic South Africans lack.

They uphold the principles of excellent customer service; their dialogue indicates an education superior to their South African rivals and they are loyal to their extended families.

Seeing their business practices reminds me of Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" - Salzonia Jordaan Raman, by e-mail