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The South African government condemns the recent violent attacks on foreign nationals in the strongest terms, and this is a criminal offence which will not be tolerated. South Africa is a multicultural society that welcomes and promotes interaction among people of different backgrounds.

The recent attacks on foreign nationals have been fuelled by negative perceptions that foreign nationals are using resources meant for South Africans, which are invalid. No amount of economic hardship and discontent can ever justify criminal activity associated with these attacks.

Any suggestion that limited economic opportunities and rising cost of living is to blame for these attacks must be rejected. The suggestion that foreigners alone are responsible for high crime levels is totally misplaced and detracts from the fact that criminal activity can be spread among many in society. Some criminal elements take advantage of concerns of ordinary citizens for their own selfish motives.

Attacks against foreign nationals since the start of the year were reported in Soweto, Benoni, Attridgeville, Khayelitsha, Inanda and KwaDukuza.

The situation has been recently worsened following the death of three foreign nationals on 9 April 2015 in Chatsworth and Umlazi in Durban. These attacks have resulted in foreign nationals being displaced and a public outcry that foreign run businesses are not being allowed to operate in certain areas.

South Africa is a Constitutional democracy and is governed by laws. Everyone working and living in South Africa must obey its laws, including those to operate a business. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Any case of wrongdoing whether by a South African or foreign national must be reported to the police.

The South African government will enforce the laws of the country and will not hesitate to act against criminal activity or those found to incite violence. The South African government will do everything within its power to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreign nationals irrespective of their status.

Foreign nationals must meet all the legislative and regulatory requirements as prescribed by the immigration laws of South Africa.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa condemns the recent attacks, which go against the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The government condemns protests that lead to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Nothing can justify the criminal activity and intolerance that these attacks represent. Solutions must be reached through constructive engagement and by working together.

South Africa will not forget the hospitality and support received from fellow Africans during the Apartheid period. Africa opened its doors and became a home for many South Africans who fled the persecution of the Apartheid government. For many decades, Africans fought side by side with South Africans in the war against apartheid contributing to the freedom we have today.

Since the dawn of democracy South Africans have lived together in harmony across the country, including foreign nationals from various countries and our African brothers and sisters.

All the people living in South Africa have a responsibility to ensure peaceful co-existence in communities. Business, labour and civil society is encouraged to educate South Africans on the need for peaceful co-existence with all who live in our communities. Parents must teach their children to respect all people and their property. South Africa is a democratic country that accommodates foreign nationals that are in the country legally.

The South African government will do everything in its power to ensure that peace and stability is restored for all who live and work in our country.