[Nightedge]

If a British governor of South Africa says

-While I was in South Africa, I found the natives very friendly.

would it be appropriate? Would local people in South Africa be justified if they felt angry over 'natives=backward coloured people'? If yes, then do you think this 'native' usage is different from

-A native of South Africa, he can speak Afrikaans perfectly well.

[sidewalker]

I think the word natives has negative connotations and should be avoided.

The second example would probably divide opinion, it may not be politically correct but it doesn't sound as patronising as the first sentence.