The South African government has expressed concern over the growing economic consequences of xenophobia-related tensions, revealing that some of its citizens and businesses operating across Africa are suffering financial losses as a result of anti-South African sentiment.
Speaking on the issue, South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane Kubayi, said the government has stepped up support for affected citizens through diplomatic and consular channels.
According to her, government officials, including Minister Alamola, have been engaging with impacted individuals and businesses while providing assistance to South Africans operating both within Africa and beyond the continent.
Kubayi disclosed that several South African entertainers have reported losing business opportunities due to the backlash, with some seeing their performances cancelled in multiple countries.
She cited the case of one artiste who reportedly informed her that all scheduled appearances across the continent had been called off, resulting in a significant loss of income.
“This is an income lost by a South African,” she said, while urging African countries to distinguish between concerns over illegal migration and the treatment of legally resident foreign nationals.
She stressed that migrants who reside and work legally should be afforded the same protection and respect that South Africa expects for its own citizens abroad.
The comments come amid renewed discussions about xenophobia and regional relations following remarks by South Africa national team captain Ronwen Williams after Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reacting to the result, Williams expressed disappointment over what he perceived as limited support from football fans across Africa, saying he had expected stronger backing for South Africa as one of the continent’s representatives on the global stage.
He argued that African nations have historically rallied behind one another during major international tournaments and questioned why South Africa appeared to receive a different response.
The debate has also revived memories of past xenophobic attacks in South Africa, incidents that strained relations with several African countries and prompted concerns over the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
In previous years, governments including those of Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi undertook evacuation efforts for some of their citizens following outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence.
South African authorities have repeatedly called for stronger cooperation among African nations, insisting that regional unity and mutual protection of citizens are essential to strengthening economic and social ties across the continent.
