Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, has expressed concern over the cancellation of South African artists’ shows in other African countries after incidents of xenophobia against African immigrants.
In a recent interview, Kubayi discussed how xenophobic statements by some individuals have hurt the country’s image and caused South African businesses abroad to lose income.
“We can’t lie about the backlash, and that is why part of the work that we are doing as government, as well as 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.
Kubayi added that the majority of South African artistes perform on the continent, “and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled”.
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“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.”
On June 11, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams shared his disappointment about what he saw as a lack of support from other African nations after Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
This result means South Africa still has work to do in Group A if they want to reach the knockout rounds.
After the match, Williams said he was surprised by how many African football fans seemed to support Mexico instead of another African team. He called for more unity among Africans during big tournaments.
“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.”
Recently, a series of xenophobic attacks in South Africa led Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and other African countries to evacuate their citizens.