He was addressing the nation in a broadcast after two weeks of violence left 50 people dead and thousands displaced. Violence directed at foreign Africans erupted in Gauteng townships and informal settlements, and spread to other provinces.

"Never since the birth of our democracy have we witnessed such callousness," said Mbeki. The violence was an "absolute disgrace" and contrary to the values of most South Africans. Mbeki cited John Dube, Thomas Nkobe, Joe Slovo and Ruth First as examples of true Africans, many of whom came from immigrant families. Mbeki's message of tolerance and African solidarity came amid mounting calls for his resignation, likely to grow louder this week.

The Sunday Times called on Mbeki yesterday to step down "in the interest of his country". Immigration policy will be discussed at meetings of the top brass of the African National Congress's (ANC's) leftist allies, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party. Condemning violence and destruction of homes and property, Mbeki said the government would stick to its policy of integrating foreign nationals rather than confining them to special camps. He promised tough action against perpetrators of violence.

Nobody, however legitimate their grievances, would be allowed to take them out on those who were "vulnerable". He blamed the barbarity of the past two weeks on "a few criminals". "Nobody should doubt the state's capacity to deal with such criminals," Mbeki said. State security agencies have come under attack for not warning the government of the planned attacks on foreigners.

Mbeki offered no explanation for the attacks, or solutions. He said the government had set up an interdepartmental task team to investigate and make recommendations. Migration was a global phenomenon. SA had to learn from the experiences of other countries to avoid "mismanaging" it. Analysts have long warned that the government's refusal to review its immigration policy and its stance on refugees would result in a backlash. Mbeki commended "patriots" and other civic-minded people who had come forward to assist with the humanitarian crises. He emphasised that civic education was not only the government's responsibility. "This is a time for unity, it's a time to speak with one voice." Mbeki committed SA to work with its neighbours, saying the country's progress was tied to advancements in other African countries.

Karima Brown and Wilson Johwa