The South African government has expressed concern over the economic and cultural fallout from ongoing xenophobic claims across the continent, warning that businesses and artists are already being harmed.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamamoloko Kubayi clarified in an interview with the SABC on Sunday that the recent mass clearance in the country was for illegal immigrants and was not motivated by xenophobia.
Kubayi acknowledged that the backlash has been significant, with South African companies abroad facing challenges and artists having to cancel performances.
He said, “We can't lie about the response…Many of our artists perform across the continent, and some are suffering a loss of income because shows have been cancelled.”
He explained that the government, working through DECO, is connecting with businesses abroad to provide consular and support services. Kubayi stressed the importance of protecting legally resident foreigners while addressing the issue of illegal immigration.
The minister revealed that one South African artist had all his shows canceled across Africa, underscoring the scale of the impact.
It comes amid wider continental tensions, with South Africa national football team captain, Ronwen Williams, recently lamenting the lack of support from fellow African nations following Bafana Bafana's 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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