ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has vehemently rejected claims that South Africans are xenophobic, despite rising tensions with foreign nationals. While acknowledging South Africa's economy attracts migrants, Ntuli condemned any unlawful conduct against foreign nationals, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable regardless of their status. He also criticized the "arrogance and contempt" displayed by some foreign nationals towards South Africa, its people, and laws. Ntuli highlighted the economic pressures and high unemployment contributing to the situation, urging compliance with labor and immigration laws and condemning the exploitation of undocumented workers. He praised the Border Management Authority's technological upgrades at border posts for tracking permit violations and welcomed the "First Safe Country Principle" for asylum seekers.