South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has raised concerns that South African artists are losing performance opportunities across Africa because of growing backlash over the country’s stance on illegal immigration.

Speaking at a press conference in Pretoria, Kubayi said the government was aware of the fallout and had stepped up efforts to engage businesses operating abroad.

“We cannot lie about the backlash. That is why part of the work we are doing as governments is engaging with businesses abroad, including South African businesses abroad. Minister Lamola has met with them. And we are providing support services and consular services for those businesses on the continent and outside the continent,” she said.

Kubayi said the entertainment sector had emerged as one of the areas feeling the impact most strongly.

“One of the areas that we have to look at, that has come to my attention, is our artists. The majority of South African artists perform on the continent, and many of them are seeing their gigs cancelled.

“That is another impact of the work. Because they benefit from live events and everything. We would work together to understand the impact.”

The minister said one performer had contacted her to report widespread cancellations.

“One artist did reach out to me. Saying all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an impact loss by South Africans,” she said.

Kubayi also sought to counter claims circulating on social media, stressing that South Africa was not deporting legal foreign nationals. She said authorities were focused on repatriating illegal immigrants and urged citizens to act responsibly.

“That is part of what we are doing to explain that South Africans are not xenophobic. We are saying to South Africans to be responsible. Let us deal with the issue of illegal immigrants.”