CAPE TOWN - Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed a range of issues following this week’s Cabinet meeting, including xenophobia.
Among the topics discussed was the speed with which the Health Department responded to the Hantavirus incident.
She also said Cabinet is working to curb rising fuel prices, which continue to climb amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Ntshavheni said the City of Johannesburg is not the only municipality to receive a letter from the Minister of Finance.
She conceded, however, that Johannesburg is a special case.
"In Johannesburg, it came to bear with the water shortages and we were forced to intervene, and part of that is that you don't want a Johannesburg and a Tshwane who are the hub of the country and who carry the country, to collapse and not be able to render services to the country," she said.
"We cannot afford a situation where Johannesburg collapses. It's as good as the country collapsing. Even if they are in the same boat as others. Johannesburg is a special case."
While Cabinet has condemned attacks on foreign nationals in the strongest terms, the minister insisted that South Africa is not a xenophobic country.
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She called for an end to what she described as fake videos circulating on social media that portray South Africans in a negative light.
Ntshavheni said she is confident South Africa will be able to defend its position should the country be reported to the African Union by some neighbouring states.
"Our position is we have nothing to hide as the South African government.
"If the AU decides to put the matter on the agenda, we will provide a report including facts relating to the matter that there are no xenophobic attacks in South Africa," she said.
READ: Cabinet sounds alarm on fake images and videos about attacks on foreign nationals
"There have been attacks on foreign nationals, which is unfortunate, and law enforcement must do their work. "
She also called on those seeking refuge in South Africa to ensure they are properly documented.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.