The South African government has expressed concern over the growing economic consequences of xenophobia allegations against the country, saying the backlash is affecting businesses and entertainers across Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said several South African artistes have lost performance opportunities on the continent, while businesses operating abroad are also facing challenges linked to perceptions of xenophobia.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi insisted that recent actions taken by authorities were aimed at tackling illegal immigration and should not be interpreted as xenophobic attacks against African nationals.
“We can’t lie about the backlash, and that is why part of the work that we are doing as government, as well through DECO, is engagement with businesses abroad, South African companies abroad.
“Minister Alamola has met with them, and we are providing services, support services and consular services for those businesses on the continent and outside the continent,” she said.
She also stated that the entertainment industry has been particularly affected, with several performers reportedly losing bookings as a result of the controversy.
“The majority of our artistes perform across the continent, and many of them are now seeing their shows cancelled,” she said.
Kubayi disclosed that one entertainer informed her that all scheduled performances outside South Africa had been called off, resulting in a significant loss of income.
“One artiste did reach out to me to say all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an income lost by a South African,” the minister stated.
“That is why let’s deal with the issue of illegal immigrants. Those you have within your borders legally, please protect them as you would protect South Africans.”
The comments come amid renewed scrutiny of South Africa following reports of anti-immigrant incidents that prompted Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and other African countries to evacuate some of their citizens from the country.
The controversy has also spilled into sports. Last week, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Williams said he was surprised that many African supporters appeared to back Mexico rather than South Africa and called for greater solidarity among African nations during international competitions.
“Africans have always supported other African countries in every World Cup tournament, but I can’t figure out why our own case is different,” Williams said.
“Many Africans supported Mexico, not us, the South Africans. We almost shed tears, but it’s truly sad.”
