The country’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said South African artists are increasingly losing performance opportunities abroad, while companies operating outside the country are also facing reputational and operational challenges tied to perceptions of xenophobia.
Speaking in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Sunday, Kubayi stressed that recent government actions were focused on addressing illegal immigration and should not be misinterpreted as hostility toward foreign 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 creative industry has been one of the hardest hit, with multiple performers reportedly 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 revealed that a South African entertainer personally informed her that all scheduled shows outside the country had been cancelled, resulting in significant financial 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.
“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 remarks come amid renewed tension and scrutiny following reports of anti-immigrant incidents in South Africa, which prompted countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and others to evacuate some of their citizens.
In recent weeks, the issue has also spilled into sports. South African national team captain Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Williams said he was surprised that many African fans appeared to support Mexico over South Africa and called for greater unity among African nations during international competitions.
“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.”