South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken against vigilantism that has become the order of the day in the country.

Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa warned against infiltrators who want South Africans to turn against those who were not born in the country.

Ramaphosa said South Africa will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise the country through inciting lawlessness and violence.

He warned that the government will act against such forces.

"We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals. South Africa is committed to protecting, upholding and advancing the human rights of all people in our country, whether citizens or foreign nationals. We are committed to honour our international obligations. The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone. "

For nearly two decades, South Africa experienced recurring waves of xenophobic attacks targeting fellow Africans from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique and many other African countries.

From the deadly riots in 2008 to the rise of Operation Dudula, thousands of foreign nationals have been displaced time and again, with some resorting to leaving South Africa for good.