South Africa’s Justice Minister has acknowledged that the country’s ongoing immigration debate is beginning to negatively affect its image across the African continent, with reported consequences for businesses and entertainers.
The minister said several South African companies operating in other African countries have faced public backlash, prompting government intervention aimed at supporting affected businesses and restoring confidence.
She also noted that South African artists are among those impacted, claiming that a number of them have experienced cancellations of performances and bookings in various African countries.
According to her, one affected artist personally reached out to complain that all scheduled international gigs had been cancelled, resulting in significant financial losses.
The minister expressed concern that the situation is damaging South Africa’s reputation and said efforts are ongoing to reassure other African nations that South Africans are not xenophobic.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws against undocumented migrants, she stressed that foreigners who are legally resident in the country must be protected and treated fairly.
She also urged communities within South Africa to reject violence and attacks against foreign nationals, emphasizing the need for lawful and humane treatment of immigrants.