Xenophobia’s Price Tag: South Africa Counts the Cost Beyond Borders

The South African government has expressed concern over the increasing economic consequences linked to perceptions of xenophobia, saying local businesses and entertainers are facing growing challenges in other African countries.

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, disclosed that some South African artistes have lost performance opportunities across the continent, while businesses operating abroad are also experiencing setbacks.
Speaking during an interview with South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Kubayi said the government had stepped up engagement with affected companies and was providing assistance through diplomatic and consular channels.
“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.
The minister insisted that recent deportation and evacuation exercises carried out in South Africa were intended to address illegal immigration and should not be viewed as xenophobic actions.
Kubayi explained that the entertainment industry had been particularly affected, with some performers reportedly losing bookings in several African countries.
“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,” she stated.
She added, “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.”
Her remarks come amid renewed discussions about relations between South Africa and other African nations following reports of xenophobic attacks that led countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to evacuate some of their citizens.
The debate also resurfaced during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after South Africa captain Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment over what he described as limited support from fellow African nations following South Africa’s defeat to Mexico in their opening match.
Williams said he had expected stronger continental solidarity, noting that many African fans appeared to support Mexico rather than South Africa during the tournament.