President Jacob Zuma is set to host a series of meetings with stakeholders to discuss the country’s migration policy and how various sectors can work with government to promote orderly migration and good relations between citizens and other nationals, amid a spate of widespread attacks against foreign nationals in several of the country’s metropoles.

The unrest, which began in Durban two weeks ago and had since spread to Johannesburg, had resulted in thousands of foreigners seeking refuge in temporary camps and the death of seven people, while foreign governments slammed violence against its citizens.

The Presidency said in a statement on Monday that Zuma would, on Wednesday, meet with representatives of faith-based organisations, business, labour, youth, creative industries, media, women, sports, the social development sector, as well as with leaders of organisations representing asylum seekers and refugees.

It added that the President had established a Ministerial task team to quell the violence and bring stability to areas affected by attacks on foreign nationals.

“The Ministers have done well in stabilising the situation and in spreading the message that South Africa will not tolerate violence and in promoting peaceful coexistence.

“However, the challenge of migration requires a long-term solution. In this regard, I have established an inter-Ministerial committee (IMC) to work systematically, looking at all aspects of migration’’, he commented.

The IMC would be chaired by the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister and would comprise the Ministers of Home Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, International Relations and Cooperation, Defence and Military Veterans, Social Development, Health, Basic Education, Police, State Security and Justice and Correctional Services.

Zuma added that the planned engagements this week would also take into account the concerns raised by citizens about the implementation of migration policy, but emphasised that, while understanding the grievances raised by some citizens, none justified the taking of human life or the destruction and looting of shops belonging to foreign nationals.

“No grievance can ever justify the cold-blooded murder of fellow human beings, the destruction of property or the displacement of hundreds of people including women and small children.

“Millions of South Africans condemn these atrocious killings and abhor xenophobia and all related intolerances. Together we must work harder to root out violence and hatred in our society,’’ he asserted.

The President, meanwhile, reiterated his call for citizens and relief organisations to provide support to displaced people.