S. Africans also in pain as result of xenophobia violence: president

He said South Africa has not changed and has not forgotten such comradeship and solidarity.

"But like most countries that have emerged from conflict, we have deep-seated challenges," Zuma said.

He said South Africans appreciate the contribution of foreign nationals in the country, who contribute to the economic development by investing in the economy, bringing critical skills and through adding to the diversity that "we pride ourselves in."

But there are also some complaints or problems that citizens have raised which need to be addressed, Zuma added.

These include the increasing number of illegal and undocumented immigrants in the country, the displacement of many local small traders by foreign nationals and that some of the migrant traders operate illegally. There are also accusations that foreign nationals commit crimes such as drug peddling and human trafficking, that they take the jobs of locals as employers prefer them as they are prepared to take lower wages and also complaints about free government housing that is secured by foreign nationals.

"We have emphasized that none of these grievances justify any form of violence against foreign nationals and that it will never be tolerated by government," Zuma said.

"We are also pointing out that not all migrants are in the country illegally and not all are involved in criminal activities. "

The grievances of the South African population have to be balanced with the plight of many refugees, asylum seekers and economic migrants from the continent and beyond, Zuma highlighted.

In the short-term, South Africa will also improve the implementation of the existing migration policy including tightening controls at the ports of entry and borders and also ensuring adherence to the laws of the country, while protecting migrants and the local population from criminal elements who are taking advantage of the tensions caused by socioeconomic challenges, according to Zuma.

Work has also begun to review the country's migration policy based on the current and recent experiences, he said.

"Our government will rely on the cooperation of sister countries in the continent from where most of the migrants come, as we search for solutions," Zuma concluded.

Also on Friday, Zuma met with a group of foreign nationals representing different African countries in Pretoria to listen to their grievances.