South Africa’s government says xenophobia claims are hurting its citizens and businesses abroad.
Speaking on SABC on Sunday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the recent mass evacuation in the country targeted illegal African immigrants and was not driven by xenophobia.
She admitted the country is facing backlash, with South African businesses and entertainers feeling the impact across Africa.
“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.
Kubayi said many South African artistes, who rely on performances across Africa, are seeing bookings cancelled.
“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 voiced disappointment after Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
Williams said he was surprised many African fans appeared to support Mexico.
“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.”
Recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have prompted Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and other African nations to evacuate their citizens from the country.
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