As a result, they are always ready to fight with each other - whether on Facebook, Twitter or the parking lot, said the Institute of Race Relations.

This week, a Facebook post by former estate agent Penny Sparrow comparing black people to monkeys had South Africans raging against racism, against each other and the government at large.

This led to various races attacking each other on social media.

The IRR’s Mienke Mari Steytler said South Africans were lashing out at each other.

“South Africans are in a state of readiness to fight because they are under increasing strain – our economy is weak (well below 2%), and the rate of unemployment is very high (at 34.9% if the expanded definition is used), and young black South Africans are suffering most.”

Steytler said policy reform was necessary to build South Africa, which at present had a long way to go before true reconciliation.

She said race was also very personal. This included how people felt about their fellow South Africans and how children were taught at home.

The IRR said individual responsibility was vital in bridging the gap.

Steytler called for South Africans to ask themselves before posting: “Is what I am saying/posting/writing contributing to the good of South Africa as a whole?”

“The government has a responsibility to bring about policy reform in order to drive South Africa towards a non-racial future and each and every South African has an individual responsibility to treat their fellow South Africans well, no matter their race, gender or background.”

-News24.com