The South African government has raised alarms about the increasing backlash against its citizens and businesses throughout Africa, following accusations of xenophobic behavior towards foreign nationals within the country.
In an interview with SABC on Sunday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, affirmed that the recent deportation operations targeting undocumented migrants were intended to address illegal immigration and were not motivated by xenophobia.
🚀 Don't Miss Out!
Latest jobs • Scholarships • Grants • Internships • Career tips
(Naija + worldwide) — delivered daily on our WhatsApp Channel.
Kubayi acknowledged the backlash’s impact, noting that South African businesses and artists are experiencing significant financial setbacks.
“We cannot deny the backlash,” she stated, mentioning that government officials have been in contact with South African companies abroad to provide support through diplomatic and consular means.
According to her, numerous South African artists, who rely on performances throughout Africa, are now witnessing the cancellation of their bookings.
🔔 OFFICIAL CHANGE OF NAME MADE EASY!
Avoid delays and rejection — let professionals handle your publication quickly and stress-free.
We help you publish your change of name in:
📰 Punch Newspaper
📰 Vanguard Newspaper
📰 Other Top National Newspapers
✨ Why Choose Us?
- ✔️ Quick turnaround (3 days)
- ✔️ Budget-friendly packages
- ✔️ Reliable & trusted service
“One artist reached out to inform me that all her engagements on the continent have been canceled, resulting in a financial loss for her as a South African,” Kubayi said.
She called on African nations to prioritize addressing illegal immigration while ensuring the protection of legally residing foreigners.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
The minister’s comments come amid rising tensions following reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have led several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi, to evacuate some of their nationals.
This controversy has also affected sports, with South Africa’s captain Ronwen Williams expressing disappointment over the apparent support for Mexico from many African fans during Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Williams advocated for greater unity among African nations, expressing dismay that fellow Africans did not support South Africa on an international level.
