The South African government has expressed concern over the economic impact of xenophobia-related allegations, saying the claims are affecting the livelihoods of its citizens and businesses abroad.

Speaking in an interview with SABC on Sunday, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the recent mass deportation exercise in the country was aimed solely at illegal African immigrants and should not be viewed as an act of xenophobia.

Kubayi noted that South Africa is facing growing backlash across the continent, with some South African artistes reportedly having their performances cancelled in other African countries amid the controversy.

“We can’t lie about the backlash, and that is why part of the work that we are doing as government, as well through DECO, is engagement with businesses abroad, South African companies abroad.

“Minister Alamola has met with them, and we are providing services, support services and consular services for those businesses on the continent and outside the continent,” she said.

Kubayi added that the majority of South African artistes perform on the continent, “and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled”.

“One artiste did reach out to me to say all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an income lost by a South African,” the minister stated.

“That is why let’s deal with the issue of illegal immigrants. Those you have within your borders legally, please protect them as you would protect South Africans.”

It will be recalled that on June 11, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams voiced disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from fellow African countries after Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The defeat left South Africa facing an uphill task in Group A as Bafana Bafana seek qualification for the knockout stages.

Reacting after the match, Williams said he was disappointed by what he perceived as a lack of support from African football fans, noting that many appeared to be backing Mexico instead of an African team.

He urged greater solidarity among African nations during major international tournaments.

“Africans have always supported other African countries in every World Cup tournament, but I can’t figure out why our own case is different,” Williams said. “Many Africans supported Mexico, not us, the South Africans. We almost shed tears, but it’s truly sad.”