The South African government has expressed concern over the economic and reputational impact of xenophobia allegations against the country, saying the backlash is affecting businesses and causing local artistes to lose performance opportunities across Africa.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said recent operations that led to the evacuation of some foreign nationals were aimed at addressing illegal immigration and should not be interpreted as xenophobic actions.

Speaking during an interview with SABC, Kubayi acknowledged that South Africa was experiencing negative reactions from other African countries and that the consequences were increasingly being felt by citizens and businesses operating beyond its borders.

According to her, the government has intensified engagement with South African companies abroad while providing support and consular services to businesses affected by the fallout.

Kubayi said several South African artistes, whose careers depend heavily on audiences across the continent, have seen performances cancelled in the wake of the controversy.

She revealed that one entertainer had informed her that all scheduled performances across Africa had been called off, resulting in a significant loss of income.

The minister urged African countries to distinguish between efforts to address illegal immigration and the treatment of legally resident foreign nationals, stressing that individuals living within a country’s borders lawfully should be protected.

Her comments come amid growing tensions following reports of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of South Africa, which have drawn criticism from several African countries.

The situation has reportedly contributed to the evacuation of citizens from countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi, while also straining perceptions of South Africa across the continent.

The controversy has also spilled into the sporting arena.

Earlier this month, South Africa national team captain, Ronwen Williams expressed disappointment over what he described as limited support from fellow Africans during Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico.

South Africa lost the encounter 2-0, leaving the team with a challenging path in Group A as it seeks qualification for the knockout stage.

Reacting after the match, Williams said he was surprised that many African football supporters appeared to back Mexico rather than a fellow African representative at the tournament.

He called for stronger continental unity, arguing that African nations have traditionally rallied behind one another during major international competitions.

The South African government has maintained that its immigration enforcement actions are directed at undocumented migrants and not foreign nationals living legally in the country, even as concerns over xenophobia continue to generate debate and diplomatic sensitivities across the continent.