Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has condemned fake videos circulating online claiming attacks on foreign nationals, warning the content is false and aimed at misleading the public and fuelling tensions.
Image: GCIS
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says government has condemned the circulation of fake videos and images online claiming attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
Ntshavheni was briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, where Cabinet raised concern over the viral spread of misleading content, warning that it is false and intended to undermine the country’s image and fuel tensions.
This comes amid growing concern about the rise of anti-migrant rhetoric in South Africa. Anti-migrant sentiment has gained political traction in recent years, with claims that foreign nationals are taking jobs and placing pressure on public services.
Tensions have at times escalated into protests and sporadic violence, while xenophobia remains a recurring issue in parts of the country.
IOL previously reported that on Wednesday last week, the controversial “March and March” movement staged a protest in Johannesburg, marching to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.
The group, which included supporters of Operation Dudula and other political formations, has accused government of failing to act decisively on undocumented migration.
During the protest, tensions escalated in parts of the Johannesburg CBD, with reports of foreign-owned shops being told to close as police monitored the situation.
“Cabinet condemned the viral circulation of fake videos and images claiming to be of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
''The fake videos and images are not only fake, but they are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally,” she said.
She said Cabinet also warned against attempts to exploit public concerns about unemployment and economic hardship to destabilise the country.
“Cabinet condemned the opportunistic attempts to hijack the genuine concerns of South Africans about high unemployment and limited economic opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.
She said while South Africans have the right to protest against illegal immigration, violence linked to such protests will not be tolerated.
Cabinet said government is continuing efforts to strengthen border management, speed up deportations, and address criminal activity linked to migration.
Ntshavheni said the Department of Employment and Labour has also been directed to intensify workplace inspections across key sectors to ensure compliance with labour laws.
“Cabinet has directed the Department of Employment and Labour to intensify inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with employment laws across vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, farms, trucking, and construction,” she said.
Cabinet also said immigration reforms under the revised White Paper will strengthen border control and migration management systems.
IOL Politics