South African officials will carry out inspections at workplaces to see whether firms are employing undocumented foreigners, Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba has said.
He added that more than 60 people employed by retail chain Spar “without documentation” had been arrested.
Mr Gigaba warned that firms would be “penalised” if they breached the law, and said they should not fuel tensions by “playing locals against foreigners”.
He added that 33,339 people had been deported during the 2015-2016 financial year.
Mr Gigaba’s comments – to parliament and the media – come amid growing concern that xenophobia is on the rise in South Africa.
Nigeria’s government has condemned attacks on its nationals in the capital, Pretoria, at the weekend and yesterday MPs called on the government to recall its ambassador from Pretoria.
On Monday, 34 foreign-owned shops were looted in neighbourhoods in Pretoria, and a local group has planned a march for tomorrow to protest against immigrants allegedly taking their jobs.
Mr Gigaba, whose comments have been published on the government’s Twitter account, said South Africans should not be portrayed as “mere xenophobes”:
Minister Gigaba: The dynamics of migration, crime, drugs, prostitution, fraud are too serious to be turned into populists politicking.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
Minister Gigaba: It is important always to be careful in the narratives we push in the public space.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
Minister Gigaba: I wish to appeal to all South Africans to desist from rhetoric or actions that are xenophobic.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
Minister Gigaba: I also want to commend the many responsible South Africans who have been a living testament to Ubuntu and tolerance.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
Minister Gigaba: South Africa is amongst the most diverse countries in the world, we are a host to multiple nationalities from the world.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
Minister Gigaba: I reject any insinuation or assertion seeking to cast us as mere xenophobes.— South African Gov (@GovernmentZA) February 23, 2017
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