The South African Government has lamented the growing backlash against the country over allegations of xenophobia, saying the controversy is already affecting South African businesses and entertainers operating across Africa.

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the country was facing economic and reputational consequences following claims that recent mass evacuations and actions against African migrants were driven by xenophobia.

Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, Kubayi clarified that the government’s actions were targeted at illegal immigrants and not at Africans legally resident in South Africa.

She said the government could not deny the backlash, adding that South African companies and citizens abroad were already feeling the impact.

“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,” she said.

Kubayi said the government was providing support and consular services to South African businesses operating both within the continent and outside Africa.

She added that the entertainment industry had also been affected, with some South African artistes losing scheduled performances in other African countries.

According to her, many South African artistes depend heavily on shows across the continent, but some of them are now seeing their bookings cancelled because of the backlash.

“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 said.

Kubayi urged African countries and citizens to distinguish between the issue of illegal immigration and attacks on law-abiding foreign nationals.

“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,” she stated.

The development comes amid renewed criticism of South Africa over reports of xenophobic attacks and mass evacuations of foreign nationals by countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi.

Recently, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from fellow Africans during Bafana Bafana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in their Group A opener, leaving the team with work to do in its quest to qualify for the knockout stage.

Speaking after the match, Williams said he was surprised that many African fans appeared to support Mexico rather than South Africa, an African representative at the tournament.

“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.”

The minister’s comments reflect growing concern within South Africa that the country’s handling of immigration and recurring xenophobia allegations may have wider diplomatic, cultural and economic consequences across the continent.

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