The South African government has expressed concern over the economic consequences of allegations of xenophobia in the country, saying businesses and citizens abroad are suffering backlash that is affecting livelihoods and commercial activities across the continent. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said recent criticism directed at South……
The South African government has expressed concern over the economic consequences of allegations of xenophobia in the country, saying businesses and citizens abroad are suffering backlash that is affecting livelihoods and commercial activities across the continent.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said recent criticism directed at South Africa has led to cancelled business engagements and entertainment events involving South Africans in other African countries.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi maintained that recent operations that resulted in the evacuation of some foreign nationals were aimed at tackling illegal immigration and should not be interpreted as xenophobic actions.
According to her, the South African government has been engaging businesses and providing support services to citizens affected by the growing backlash.
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“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 minister disclosed that South African entertainers, many of whom rely heavily on audiences across Africa, have also been affected by the situation.
Kubayi said, “The majority of South African artistes perform on the continent, and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled.”
She added: “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.
“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.”
Her comments come amid growing tensions following reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have prompted several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi, to evacuate some of their citizens from the country.
The controversy has also spilled into the sporting arena.
Last week, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of solidarity from fellow Africans during South Africa’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico, Williams said he was surprised that many African supporters appeared to back the North American side rather than a fellow African nation.
“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.”
The South African government has continued to insist that its actions are directed at addressing illegal immigration and criminality, while calling on other African nations to safeguard South African citizens and businesses operating within their borders.
