South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has lamented over the growing backlash against South Africans across the continent, saying some artistes are losing income as their performances are being cancelled in several African countries.
Kubayi said the situation was affecting South African businesses and entertainers operating outside the country, amid criticism linked to recent actions against illegal immigrants in South Africa.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, the minister maintained that the recent mass evacuation exercise in the country was directed at illegal African immigrants and was not motivated 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.
“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 said the impact of the backlash was becoming evident among South African entertainers, many of whom rely on performances across Africa.
Kubayi added that the majority of South African artistes perform on the continent, “and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled”.
“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 minister’s comments come amid growing tensions over reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have drawn reactions from several African countries.
On June 11, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams voiced disappointment over what he described as a lack of solidarity from fellow African nations after Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defeat left South Africa facing an uphill task in Group A as the team continues its quest for a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Reacting after the match, Williams said he was surprised that many African football fans appeared to support Mexico instead of backing a fellow African team at the World Cup.
“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.”
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Why won’t they ban your celebrities from performing in other African countries when you treated killed their own citizens like animals in your so self centred country. Put yourself in their shoes and let’s know how you feel. You haven’t seen nothing yet, expect more from us especially Nigeria……