Former South African Public Protector Prof Thuli Madonsela has urged employers to work with the government to address South Africa's immigration challenges, warning that violence against undocumented migrants could harm trade, investor confidence and the country's standing in Africa.

"That was actually the main appeal to business, to say, 'Enter the fray, or enter the arena, to work with government to ensure that we enforce the law, but that it is enforced compassionately, and that people are not just kicked out of homes or kicked out of businesses without a proper wrap-around programme.' Secondly, to end vigilantism and also to make a very clear statement against the hatred of foreigners and the hatred of fellow Africans. Because yes, we are not a xenophobic country, but we must admit that some among us have crossed the line between resisting uncontrolled immigration and just hating foreigners, and that becomes xenophobia. We must say no to it. We must say no to hate. Hate has become an industry globally, and we do not want it to take root in our country."