Xenophobia: Our Artistes’ Shows Are Being Cancelled Across Africa— South African Minister

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has raised concerns over the growing economic fallout from xenophobia allegations against the country, saying it is affecting South African businesses and entertainers across Africa.

She said the backlash has led to cancellations of performance bookings for South African artistes and has also created difficulties for businesses operating outside the country.

Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi said recent government actions were targeted at addressing illegal immigration and should not be mistaken for 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 added that the entertainment industry had been particularly affected by the situation, with several performers losing international bookings.

“The majority of our artistes perform across the continent, and many of them are now seeing their shows cancelled,” she said.

Kubayi further disclosed that one entertainer told her that all scheduled performances outside South Africa had been cancelled, leading to significant income loss.

“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.

She insisted that illegal immigration must be addressed while stressing that foreign nationals living legally in South Africa should be protected.

“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 controversy comes 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.

In the sports arena, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams also expressed disappointment after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he was surprised by the level of support for Mexico from African fans.

“Africans have always supported other African countries in every World Cup tournament, but I can’t figure out why our own case is different.”

“Many Africans supported Mexico, not us, the South Africans. We almost shed tears, but it’s truly sad.”