The South African government has expressed concern over the growing economic consequences of xenophobia-related allegations against the country, revealing that businesses and entertainers are already feeling the effects across the African continent.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, acknowledged that the country is facing increasing backlash following recent operations targeting undocumented migrants.
Kubayi, however, insisted that the mass evacuations and enforcement actions carried out by authorities were directed at illegal immigrants and should not be interpreted as acts of xenophobia.
She said, “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.”
According to the minister, the negative perception surrounding South Africa has begun to affect the livelihoods of its citizens, particularly entertainers whose careers depend heavily on audiences across Africa.
Kubayi noted that many South African artistes are witnessing a decline in opportunities, with several performances reportedly cancelled in different countries.
She stated, “and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled”.
“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 development comes amid heightened tensions following reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have prompted countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to evacuate some of their citizens from the country.
The controversy has also spilled into the sporting arena. On June 11, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams voiced disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of solidarity from fellow African nations after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With South Africa facing a difficult path to qualification from Group A, Williams questioned why many African supporters appeared to favour Mexico rather than rally behind an African representative at the tournament.
“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.”
The South African government is now intensifying diplomatic and business engagements in an effort to address concerns, rebuild confidence and mitigate the economic impact of the growing backlash.
