The South African government has expressed concern over the growing economic consequences of xenophobia allegations against the country, saying the backlash is affecting businesses and entertainers across Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said several South African artistes have lost performance opportunities on the continent, while businesses operating abroad are also facing challenges linked to perceptions of xenophobia.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi insisted that recent actions taken by authorities were aimed at tackling illegal immigration and should not be interpreted as xenophobic attacks against African 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 also stated that the entertainment industry has been particularly affected, with several performers reportedly losing bookings as a result of the controversy.
“The majority of our artistes perform across the continent, and many of them are now seeing their shows cancelled,” she said.
Kubayi disclosed that one entertainer informed her that all scheduled performances outside South Africa had been called off, resulting in a significant loss of income.
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.
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