The African Union has condemned the attacks on foreign nationals in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in some parts of Johannesburg.

The continental body has labelled the attacks as “unacceptable”, and has called for an immediate halt of violence.

“Whatever the challenges we may be facing, no circumstances justify attacks on people, whether foreigners or locals. It is unacceptable,” the chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said.

Dlamini Zuma decried the incidents as particularly unfortunate, as celebrations of Africa Month approach.

“On 25 May we remember the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which played such a critical role in mobilising international solidarity for the end of apartheid,” she said.

She said the challenge of poverty and unemployment faced by South is a problem faced by all countries on the continent.

“We must work together to address these and build a better future for all Africans,” she said before appealing for dialogue in and amongst communities to address the challenges and find peaceful solutions.

The AU Commission welcomed the interventions from the South African government, including the deployment of the inter-ministerial committee to KwaZulu-Natal to engage with local communities and those affected by violence.

Dlamini Zuma also welcomed the deployment of more police to provide protection and keep law and order.

Since violence erupted a week, ago six people have died and police have arrested over 74 people for offences including murder, public violence, business robbery, theft and possession of firearms and ammunition.