Cape town: The Cabinet has condemned the viral circulation of fake videos and images claiming to depict attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. "The fake videos and images. are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally and undermine South Africa's pursuit of a better Africa agenda," said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post-Cabinet briefing.

According to South African Government News Agency, the protests against undocumented immigrants have spread across several major cities in South Africa. The Minister emphasized the right of South Africans to protest against illegal immigration, but stressed that violence linked to these protests is unacceptable and must be addressed by law enforcement.

The Cabinet criticized opportunistic attempts to exploit genuine concerns about high unemployment and limited economic opportunities, warning against the mobilization of attacks on foreign nationals and tribal mobilization. Ntshavheni reiterated ongoing efforts to tackle illegal immigration, including strengthening border management, speeding up deportations, addressing criminality within ©migr© communities, and safeguarding jobs for South Africans.

The Cabinet has instructed the Department of Employment and Labour to intensify workplace inspections to ensure compliance with employment laws, particularly in vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, farming, trucking, and construction. Municipalities have also been directed to enforce municipal by-laws, prioritizing trading regulations.

On a policy level, the Revised White Paper on Immigration aims to address current immigration law constraints by introducing measures such as the 'first country of safety' principle, relocating refugee reception centers closer to borders, and allowing certain trades and businesses exclusively for South Africans and refugees, as outlined by Ntshavheni.