Cape Town — President Jacob Zuma has entered the debate on the threat of xenophobic attacks on migrants from other African states by calling on South Africans to "isolate and report to the police those elements who may be seeking to sow mayhem in communities."

In a statement issued from his office in Pretoria on Thursday, he said the World Cup had demonstrated that South Africans were "warm, peace-loving and hospitable." Their support for Ghana and other African teams had displayed "African unity in its true sense."

He added: "Let us isolate all elements who may have sinister agendas, who may want to create havoc and sow pain and destruction in communities, especially foreign nationals residing in our country. We appeal for calm, tolerance and unity amongst all."

The South African government has been criticized for not speaking strongly enough against the threat of xenophobic attacks on foreign migrants since the end of the World Cup.

Migrants living in poor communities, especially near Cape Town, have faced threats and harassment in recent days and many have fled their homes and businesses. South Africans without jobs accuse the migrants of undercutting pay levels and some shopkeepers resent competition from immigrants.