South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed concern that growing criticism of the country’s immigration policies is beginning to affect local entertainers, with several artistes reportedly losing international performance opportunities.
Kubayi made the remarks during a press briefing in Pretoria, where she responded to recent social media discussions and clarified that the government is not involved in the extradition of lawful foreign residents. She explained that authorities are focused only on the repatriation of individuals residing in the country illegally.
“We cannot lie about the backlash. That is why part of the work we are doing as governments is engaging with businesses abroad, including South African businesses abroad. Minister Lamola has met with them. And we are providing support services and consular services for those businesses on the continent and outside the continent,” she said.
She noted that the situation is also affecting South African performers who frequently travel across the continent for shows, revealing that many have had scheduled events cancelled.
“One of the areas that we have to look at, that has come to my attention, is our artistes. Majority of South African artistes perform on the continent and many of them are seeing their gigs cancelled,” she said. “That is another impact of the work. Because they benefit from live events and everything. We would work together to understand the impact.”
Kubayi added that an affected artiste personally reached out to her, complaining about widespread cancellations of performances.
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“One artiste did reach out to me. Saying all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an impact loss by South Africans,” she said.
She further stressed that government efforts are aimed at correcting misconceptions about South Africans being xenophobic, urging citizens to handle immigration issues responsibly and focus specifically on undocumented migrants.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in South Africa, where anti-immigration sentiments have triggered incidents of xenophobic violence. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently began assisting citizens who wish to return from South Africa.