Mining giant, AngloGold Ashanti has joined a tall list of organisations in condemning the xenophobic attacks that have claimed at least 10 lives in South Africa.

A statement issued in Accra said, "AngloGold Ashanti joins the South African government in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the xenophobic attacks that have occurred in the past week in certain parts of South Africa.

"These shameful attacks, perpetrated by a clear minority, are a blight on South Africa’s history and its democracy, and we support the government’s commitment to stamp them out, bring those responsible to justice, and address the root causes of the violence.

"We offer our sincere condolences to those affected both directly and indirectly by the violent attacks, and echo the words of South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, who said: “Millions of South Africans condemn these atrocious killings and abhor xenophobia and all related intolerances. Together we must work harder to root out violence and hatred in our society."

"AngloGold Ashanti is a proudly pan-African company with mining operations across the world, including the African continent, where it has businesses in Mali, Guinea, Ghana, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and South Africa.

"The strength and resilience of our organization is rooted not only in our values and our commitment to treat all people with dignity and respect, but also in our diversity, as we draw from the skills and talents of the people in each of those countries.

"South Africa, too, has embraced diversity since its birth as a nation. On the 27th of this month, South Africa’s democracy comes of age, 21 years after ushering in legitimate statehood.

"Then and now, we join our brothers and sisters across the continent and beyond, by recommitting to South Africa’s vision as a tolerant and multi-cultural society," the statement concluded.