South Africa Faces Backlash Over Xenophobia Claims

South Africa has admitted that growing accusations of xenophobia are beginning to hurt its economy, with local artists and businesses facing setbacks in other African countries.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said some South African entertainers have lost work opportunities across the continent, while businesses operating abroad are also experiencing difficulties. She explained that recent deportations and evacuations of foreign nationals were not motivated by xenophobia but were aimed at addressing illegal immigration and enforcing the country’s laws.

However, Kubayi acknowledged that South Africa is facing increasing criticism and that the fallout is having real economic consequences. “We cannot deny that there is a backlash,” she said, adding that government agencies have stepped up engagement with South African companies operating in Africa and other parts of the world.

According to the minister, several artists have reported losing bookings in other African countries. She said one performer told her that every scheduled show outside South Africa had been cancelled, resulting in a significant loss of income. Kubayi urged African nations to separate efforts to combat illegal migration from the treatment of foreigners who are legally living and working in a country. She stressed that migrants with legal status should be protected and treated fairly wherever they reside.

Her comments come amid renewed scrutiny of South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks that have sparked concern across the continent. Countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi have evacuated some of their citizens from South Africa in response to the tensions.

The debate has also reached the sporting arena. Last week, South Africa’s national football captain Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment that many African fans appeared to support Mexico rather than South Africa during Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa suffered a 2 0 defeat in the Group A clash, leaving the team under pressure in its bid to reach the knockout stage.

Williams’ comments have added to a wider conversation about whether South Africa’s relations with some African countries have been strained by recurring concerns over xenophobia. Analysts say the issue is not only affecting the country’s image but also shaping how South Africa is viewed across the continent.

The government insists that its actions are focused on enforcing immigration laws, not targeting foreigners. Yet the growing backlash shows that perceptions of xenophobia are damaging South Africa’s cultural and economic ties. For artists, cancelled performances mean lost income and fewer opportunities to build audiences abroad. For businesses, strained relations could limit expansion and trade across Africa.