ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has rejected the xenophobic claims but condemned unlawful conduct against foreign nationals, and asked for foreign nationals to respect the laws of the country.
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ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has rejected claims that South Africans are xenophobic, insisting there is no basis for such accusations despite growing tensions between local citizens and foreign nationals.
Ntuli was briefing the media on Wednesday when he addressed the issue, which he said was having a negative impact across the African continent.
“We have noted the rising tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals living in our country, which have had a negative impact across the continent,” he said.
According to Ntuli, South Africans have increasingly been labelled xenophobic, while some countries, including Ghana, have reportedly begun voluntary processes to repatriate their citizens and raise concerns through continental institutions.
“We strongly reject the strange notion that South Africans are xenophobic,” he said.
Ntuli argued that South Africa's relatively strong economy made it a natural destination for migrants seeking opportunities. However, he said neighbouring countries also had responsibilities towards their citizens living and working in South Africa.
He condemned any unlawful conduct directed at foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status.
“We condemn any unlawful conduct towards foreign nationals, irrespective of their status in our country,” he said.
At the same time, Ntuli said the ANC Caucus was concerned about the conduct of some foreign nationals who displayed what he described as “arrogance and contempt” towards South Africa, its citizens and its laws.
He said the caucus recognised the economic pressures facing the country, particularly high unemployment levels, and stressed the importance of complying with labour and immigration laws.
Ntuli warned that the exploitation of undocumented workers was unlawful and violated labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
The chief whip also praised the Border Management Authority (BMA) for upgrading at least six major border posts, saying the improvements would strengthen the country's ability to manage migration.
“These upgrades have introduced modern technology capable of tracking and tracing visitors who overstay their lawful period of stay, as well as individuals who enter the country on short-term permits and fail to depart as required,” he said.
Ntuli further welcomed the implementation of the First Safe Country Principle, which provides that asylum seekers who have already received protection elsewhere, or who have travelled through safe third countries, may not qualify for asylum in South Africa.
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