The South African government has publicly addressed the damaging effects of ongoing xenophobic attacks on its creative industry and other economic sectors. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, disclosed during a media briefing of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration that many South African artists have lost bookings and performance opportunities across the continent. The briefing was aired by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Monday.
Impact on Artists and Businesses
Mrs. Kubayi revealed that South African artists, who frequently perform across Africa, are seeing their gigs cancelled due to rising xenophobic sentiment. She noted that one artist reached out to her to report that all her continental gigs were cancelled, representing a significant income loss for South Africa. Additionally, South African businesses operating abroad are struggling amid growing perceptions of xenophobia.
Government Response
The government has directed a minister to engage with citizens living abroad and provide support services. Minister Alamola has met with affected individuals and is offering consular services for businesses on the continent and beyond. Mrs. Kubayi emphasized that the government cannot ignore the backlash and is working through DECO to explain that South Africans are not xenophobic, while also urging responsible behavior regarding illegal immigration.
Call for Social Cohesion
The minister stated that the government has ordered communities to reject vigilante action against foreign nationals. She warned that failing to address the issue could harm South Africa's brand and weaken social cohesion, which has been built on cultural diversity and inclusion. She stressed that dealing with illegal immigrants must be done through law enforcement, while protecting those legally in the country.
Violence against black immigrants in South Africa has claimed several lives and persists. Several African countries have evacuated their citizens, including Nigeria, which airlifted 258 nationals, and Ghana, which repatriated 1,000.
