South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has acknowledged that negative perceptions linked to xenophobia are beginning to affect the country’s economy and international cultural presence.
She explained that some South African businesses operating abroad are experiencing losses, while artistes are also being affected as their shows are being cancelled across the continent. Kubayi made the comments during an interview with SABC on Sunday, stressing that recent enforcement actions in South Africa were aimed at undocumented immigrants and not driven by xenophobia.
“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.”
She added that government officials are engaging stakeholders and providing consular support to affected businesses both within and outside Africa.
“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.
Kubayi further noted that many South African artistes who depend on continental tours are also feeling the impact, with some reporting cancelled performances.
“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 renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa. Earlier, national team captain Ronwen Williams also expressed disappointment over what he described as limited support from African fans during South Africa’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Mexico.
He said many expected stronger continental unity, noting that “Africans have always supported other African countries in every World Cup tournament, but I can’t figure out why our own case is different,” and added, “Many Africans supported Mexico, not us, the South Africans. We almost shed tears, but it’s truly sad.”
Reports of xenophobic violence in recent times have also led Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and other African countries to evacuate their citizens from South Africa.
