Mmamoloko Kubayi says anti-migrant backlash now affecting South African businesses and entertainment sector across continent

A South African artist has lost all her performance bookings across Africa due to growing backlash over the country’s migration and xenophobia crisis, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed in Pretoria on Sunday. The minister, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on irregular migration, said this development signals wider economic consequences as anti-migrant violence continues to damage South Africa’s image abroad.

Kubayi disclosed that the unnamed artist informed her about losing all continental gigs because of the ongoing migration challenges facing South Africa. The minister described it as a direct income loss for a South African citizen, highlighting how the situation is moving from a human rights concern to an economic threat. She warned that negative perceptions of South Africans are now leading to real losses for citizens and businesses operating beyond the country’s borders.

The xenophobic tensions have been escalating since April 2026, forcing thousands of foreign nationals—including over 3,000 Malawians—to seek refuge in open fields in Durban after fleeing targeted attacks. Nigeria recently repatriated more than 260 citizens, with further evacuations planned, while Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi have also started returning their nationals. Reports indicate several foreigners have sustained injuries or lost their lives during these incidents.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that South Africa currently has only 832 home affairs inspectors nationwide, with just 56 deployed to support the evacuation of Malawians in Durban—underscoring the scale of the challenge compared to available resources. Over 40,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January, and more than 2,000 repatriated so far this year.

Kubayi called on communities to reject vigilantism and warned that attacks against foreign nationals could also endanger South Africans who share similar languages or appearances with migrants. She noted that the present wave of anti-migrant sentiment is being driven by organised online networks that have been building for years. The impact is now being felt directly by artists and other professionals who depend on cross-border engagements for income. South African businesses across Africa are also facing increased hostility as a result of these tensions.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/south-african-artist-loses-gigs-xenophobia-crisis-2026061508461463303