SOUTH AFRICA: Minister Laments Xenophobia Backlash As Artistes Lose Gigs And Businesses Suffer

By Onoja Baba

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has voiced concern over the growing backlash against her country due to xenophobic incidents, saying South African artistes are losing performance opportunities and businesses are being negatively affected across the continent.

Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi admitted that the recent mass evacuation of illegal African immigrants has triggered widespread resentment, resulting in cancelled shows for South African entertainers.

“We can’t lie about the backlash,” she said, adding that many South African artistes who frequently perform across Africa are seeing their gigs 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 clarified that the evacuation exercise was targeted specifically at illegal immigrants and not motivated by xenophobia.

She revealed that the government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), is actively engaging affected South African businesses abroad to provide necessary support and consular services.

Kubayi called on other African countries to protect legally resident South Africans while urging decisive action against illegal immigration within their borders.

The development comes amid renewed tensions following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa that led to the evacuation of citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and other African nations.

It also follows complaints by South Africa’s national football team captain, Ronwen Williams, who expressed disappointment over the lack of continental support for Bafana Bafana during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The minister’s statement underscores the economic and cultural repercussions South Africa is facing as a result of xenophobic sentiments.