Accra: The South African government has acknowledged that ongoing alleged xenophobic incidents are hurting the country’s creative sector as well as other areas of the economy. Speaking at a media briefing on June 15, 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, stated that several South African artistes have begun losing performance opportunities across Africa due to concerns linked to xenophobia. She also indicated that South African-owned businesses operating in other countries are experiencing challenges as negative perceptions about the country continue to grow.
According to Ghana Web, Mmamoloko Kubayi highlighted that the majority of South African artistes perform across the continent and are seeing their gigs cancelled as a direct impact of these xenophobic incidents. This cancellation of gigs represents a significant income loss for the artistes and affects the South African brand. Kubayi noted that a particular artiste had reached out to her, sharing that all her continental gigs were cancelled, underlining the economic repercussions for the nation’s creative sector.
Mmamoloko Kubayi further disclosed that the government had tasked a minister with engaging South Africans living abroad while ensuring support services are available to them. Minister Alamola has been actively meeting with South Africans abroad, providing necessary support and consular services to businesses on and outside the continent facing backlash and difficulties due to the negative perceptions.
The government acknowledges the criticism and consequences stemming from xenophobic incidents and has intensified efforts, through DECO, to engage South African businesses operating beyond the country’s borders. Kubayi emphasized the need to communicate that South Africans are not inherently xenophobic and stressed the importance of dealing with illegal immigration responsibly. She urged for the protection of legally residing individuals within South Africa’s borders.
Kubayi also instructed communities to refrain from taking the law into their own hands when dealing with foreign nationals, highlighting the potential harm to both internal and external relations. She stressed that unchecked actions could further divide the nation along cultural lines, which contradicts South Africa’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion. Addressing these issues internally is essential to preventing damage to the country’s social cohesion and international reputation.