South Africa’s government has raised concern over the growing economic backlash linked to xenophobia allegations, warning that the controversy is now affecting artistes, businesses, and cultural exchange across the African continent.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said South African performers are increasingly losing opportunities abroad, with several shows reportedly cancelled across Africa amid rising tensions and negative perceptions about the country.
Speaking in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Kubayi acknowledged that South African entertainers have been directly affected by the backlash, noting that performance bookings in several African countries have been withdrawn.
According to her, the entertainment industry has become one of the hardest-hit sectors as public sentiment shifts in response to ongoing concerns about xenophobic incidents in South Africa.
The majority of our artistes perform across the continent, and many of them are now seeing their shows cancelled,” she said.
She added that one unnamed performer told her that all scheduled international performances had been cancelled, leading to significant financial losses.
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,” Kubayi stated.
Kubayi, however, insisted that recent government actions targeting illegal immigration should not be misinterpreted as xenophobia.
She maintained that South Africa remains committed to protecting legally documented foreign nationals while addressing immigration challenges within its borders.
“We can’t lie about the backlash… part of the work we are doing as government is engagement with businesses abroad and providing consular support,” she explained.
The minister stressed that the government is actively engaging South African businesses operating across Africa to mitigate the impact of the controversy.
Beyond the entertainment sector, Kubayi noted that South African companies operating in other African countries are also facing growing difficulties linked to perceptions of xenophobia.
She said government agencies are providing support services to affected businesses in an effort to stabilise cross-border economic relations.
The minister urged African countries and stakeholders to distinguish between enforcement of immigration laws and xenophobic behaviour, warning that misinterpretation could harm regional cooperation and economic integration.
She emphasised that legally resident foreign nationals in South Africa should be protected, just like South African citizens.
Those within your borders legally, please protect them as you would protect South Africans,” she said.
The controversy comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity following reports of anti-immigrant incidents in South Africa, which prompted several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi, to evacuate citizens in recent months.
The situation has also affected cultural and sporting relations, with public sentiment spilling over into football and entertainment exchanges across the continent.
The backlash has reignited wider debates on African solidarity, migration, and economic integration, with critics arguing that rising tensions could undermine long-standing cultural and economic ties between African nations.
Observers warn that continued cancellations of events and restrictions on movement could further strain relations if not addressed through coordinated diplomatic engagement.
