The South African government has admitted that the country is facing serious backlash across Africa following recent xenophobic attacks and the evacuation of foreign nationals from the country.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, said South African businesses and artistes were already suffering losses as anger over the attacks continued to spread across the continent.
Kubayi, who spoke in an interview with SABC on Sunday, said some South African artistes had seen their shows cancelled in other African countries.
“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.
“The majority of our artistes perform across the continent, and many of them are now seeing their shows cancelled,” she added.
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.”
However, this is coming 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 face-off 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.”
