South Africa’s Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has acknowledged that the country’s immigration controversies and rising anti-foreigner sentiment are beginning to damage its reputation across the African continent, with both businesses and entertainers already feeling the impact
Kubayi said several South African companies operating in other African countries have faced backlash, prompting the government to step in with support and engage directly with those affected.
She also noted the growing impact on the entertainment industry, noting that South African artists who regularly tour across the continent are increasingly seeing cancelled performances.
“The majority of South African artists perform on the continent, and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled. One artist did reach out to me to say all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an income lost by a South African,” Kubayi said.
According to the minister, the situation is beginning to harm South Africa’s brand internationally, and government officials are working to reassure other African countries that citizens of South Africa are not broadly xenophobic.
She stressed that while the country will continue to enforce immigration laws against individuals residing illegally in South Africa, those who are in the country legally must be protected and treated fairly. Kubayi also called on communities to reject violence and attacks against foreign nationals.
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Not nice