Xenophobia: Our artistes losing gigs, businesses affected, South African minister laments
The South African Government has expressed concern regarding the repercussions of xenophobic allegations made by certain individuals, which have resulted in financial losses for its citizens' businesses abroad.
Through its Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, the government clarified that the recent mass evacuation in the country was aimed at illegal African immigrants and was not motivated by xenophobia.
During an interview with SABC on Sunday, she emphasized that the nation is experiencing backlash, with some South African artists facing cancellations of their performances across the continent.
"We cannot deny the backlash, which is why part of our efforts as a government, along with DECO, involves engaging with South African businesses abroad.
Minister Alamola has met with these businesses, and we are offering support services and consular assistance for those operating both on the continent and beyond," she stated.
Kubayi further noted that a significant number of South African artists perform throughout the continent, and many are witnessing the cancellation of their gigs.
This situation leaves South Africa with challenges to address in Group A as they aim for advancement to the knockout stages.
Following the match, Williams expressed his astonishment at the number of African football fans who seemed to support Mexico instead of an African representative on the global stage, urging for increased unity among Africans during major tournaments.
"Historically, Africans have rallied behind other African nations in every World Cup, yet I cannot understand why this instance is different," Williams remarked. "Many Africans chose to support Mexico over us, the South Africans. It was almost tearful, and it is indeed disheartening."
Recently, the surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa has prompted Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and other African nations to evacuate their citizens from the country.
