Xenophobia and aggressive deportation policies don’t happen in a vacuum. The South African government is now facing the economic reality of recent events, noting that their own creatives and entrepreneurs are paying the price through canceled international bookings and strained cross-border trade.
This serves as a stark reminder of how deeply connected African entertainment and economies truly are. You cannot isolate a market without hurting your own stars.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, insisted that recent operations leading to the deportation of undocumented migrants were aimed at illegal immigrants and were not driven by x+nophobia.
Kubayi admitted that the country is already feeling the effects of the backlash, with South African businesses and entertainers suffering financial losses.
“We can’t lie about the backlash,” she said, noting that government officials have been engaging South African companies operating abroad and providing support through diplomatic and consular channels.
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According to her, many South African artistes who rely on performances across Africa are now seeing their engagements cancelled.
“One artiste did reach out to me to say all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an income loss by a South African,” Kubayi stated.
She urged African countries to focus on addressing illegal immigration while ensuring that foreigners residing legally within their borders are protected.
The minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following reports of x+nophobic att@cks in South Africa, which have prompted countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to evacuate some of their citizens.
The controversy also spilled into sports, with South Africa captain Ronwen Williams recently expressing disappointment after many African fans appeared to support Mexico during Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 loss in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Williams called for greater African unity, saying he was saddened that fellow Africans did not rally behind South Africa on the global stage.
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