South African President Thabo Mbeki has condemned the wave of attacks on foreigners as an absolute disgrace.
In a national radio and television address, he said the attacks were the worst acts of inhumanity South Africa had seen since the end of apartheid.
'Everything possible will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice,' Mr Mbeki added.
At least 50 people have died and more than 25,000 others have fled to refugee centres as a result of the bloodshed, which began in shanty towns around Johannesburg on 11 May and has spread across the country.
President Mbeki, who has been criticised for his slow response to the crisis, said the attacks have blemished the country's name.
He said South Africa's prosperity was linked to that of the rest of Africa and that concerns about domestic problems must be channelled democratically and not used to justify violence.
The president added that the government was opposed to segregating migrants in special camps.
Mr Mbeki called for unity, warning that it was 'a time to speak with one voice against something which, if it takes root, will take us back to a past of violent conflict which no-one amongst us can afford.
'This criminal violence has besmirched the image of South Africa,' he added.
