Housing is the only component of basic service delivery that encompasses ownership. However, the slow rate of housing delivery and intolerance from local government towards enquiries from individuals and interest groups have forced communities to suspect corruption. In addition, demonstrations and riots as methods to secure delivery have resulted in attacks on and displacement of foreigners. This extreme response to access adequate housing has reaffirmed ethnic identity being manifested in a form of negative nationalism. The purpose of this article, is to examine patriotism as a means to evoke pride and responsibility in the public service. The literature review focuses on inculcating patriotism to create a national identity and a tolerance for foreigners. This article argues that the responsibility of patriotism to uphold the Constitution, 1996 as supreme resides with the public service and citizens alike and that critique of local