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South African Minister Confirms Artist Loses All Africa Gigs Amid Xenophobia Fallout

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

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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

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Simy Nwankwo Returns to Nigeria After Prolific Season in Saudi Arabia

Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

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June 15, 2026

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Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

Super Eagles forward Simy Nwankwo is expected back in Nigeria after a successful football season in Saudi Arabia, sources confirmed on Monday. The striker, who has been plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, is returning home following a campaign marked by remarkable scoring form.

Nwankwo’s return comes after completing his commitments with his Saudi club, where he registered a standout performance throughout the just-concluded season. While details of his next move remain unannounced, his arrival in Nigeria has generated anticipation among local fans and observers of the national team.

The experienced striker has been a regular feature for the Super Eagles, contributing to Nigeria’s recent international fixtures. His prolific run abroad underlines the growing impact of Nigerian players in Middle Eastern leagues, a trend that continues to draw attention from football stakeholders at home and abroad.

Though neither Nwankwo nor officials from the Nigeria Football Federation have issued a formal statement regarding his return or future plans, expectations are high that he may be involved in upcoming national assignments. Supporters hope his form will boost the Super Eagles’ attacking options ahead of continental qualifiers and major tournaments.

Nwankwo’s homecoming is seen as an opportunity for both player and country to reassess prospects as he remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent strikers on the international scene.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/887776-nigerian-international-simy-nwankwo-set-for-homecoming-after-prolific-saudi-season.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Rivers Police Begin Statewide Clampdown on Vehicles With Obscured Number Plates

Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

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June 15, 2026

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Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a major enforcement operation against vehicles with covered, defaced, unauthorised or missing number plates across the state, effective Monday, 15 June 2026. The crackdown follows a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at curbing criminal activities by ensuring all vehicles on public roads are easily identifiable.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the operation is being coordinated by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. All Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Rivers have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the order. The police warned that vehicles found with covered or non-standard number plates risk being impounded and their owners prosecuted under existing laws.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the use of obscured number plates by individuals seeking to evade law enforcement or engage in unlawful acts within Rivers State and neighbouring South-South states. Authorities believe that proper vehicle identification is essential for effective policing and crime prevention in the region.

“This exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security surveillance and deny criminals opportunity to conceal their identities while operating,” Kaborlo said in the statement. The command stressed that no vehicle would be exempted from the checks, and called on residents to cooperate with officers during the period of heightened enforcement.

The police assured that normal traffic flow would be maintained as much as possible, but urged motorists to regularise their vehicle documentation immediately. As at press time, opposition parties and civil society groups had not issued formal statements on the measure.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rivers-police-launch-crackdown-on-obscured-number-plates/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

IMF Urges Abuja to Extend VAT to Petrol, Propose Telecom Tax Amid Rising Inflation

Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

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19 minutes ago

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June 15, 2026

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Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of measures to boost revenue, according to its latest economic assessment released this week. The proposals, which include extending Value Added Tax (VAT) to petrol and imposing excise duties on mobile calls and data, have sparked debate nationwide as at Friday.

According to the IMF’s report, Nigeria’s government revenue remains among the lowest globally relative to GDP. The global lender recommended several steps: applying VAT on petrol and other petroleum products, introducing excise taxes on telecom services such as calls and data, gradually increasing VAT rates over time, and reducing certain tax exemptions and customs waivers. The IMF said these measures would help fund critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education while reducing government borrowing.

The recommendations come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, and reduced purchasing power following the removal of fuel subsidy and recent currency reforms. Any new tax on fuel is expected to drive up transportation costs for both commuters and businesses across states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and beyond. Experts warn this could lead to a further spike in prices of essential goods due to higher logistics costs.

Millions also depend on mobile phones for communication, business, and education. Additional excise duties on telecom services could increase the cost of airtime, voice calls, SMS, and data plans—an issue that has drawn concern from civil society groups and economists alike. Dr. Aisha Yusuf of the Nigerian Economic Society said during a phone interview that “any new tax regime must consider the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens before implementation.” As at Friday evening, the Federal Ministry of Finance had not issued an official statement on whether it would adopt any of the IMF’s advice.

While the IMF recommendations remain non-binding advice for now—the final decision rests with the Federal Government and National Assembly—public debate continues amid fears that such measures may worsen living conditions for many Nigerians already affected by economic reforms. Whether policymakers will adopt all or part of these proposals remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-nigeria-tax-recommendations-fuel-telecom-2026061511165832725

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