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South African artists are seeing concert bookings cancelled across the continent because of a xenophobia backlash against the country, the justice minister said on Monday, as a cabinet colleague dismissed the claims.
Mmamoloko Kubayi warned that perceptions of xenophobia were triggering real economic consequences for citizens, with the creative industry increasingly affected.
“Majority of South African artists who perform in other African countries are seeing their gigs getting cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled,” Kubayi told reporters.
She described the situation as part of a wider backlash that is damaging the country’s “brand,” with businesses and individuals now facing difficulties across several African nations.
“We are raising the issues that we are raising, the brand is hurting, we can’t lie about it. The backlash,” Kubayi said.
She added that the government was engaging through diplomatic channels to cushion the impact on South African companies operating abroad.
“And that’s why part of the work that we are doing as government as well through DECO is engagement with businesses abroad.”
However, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly criticised Kubayi’s remarks, saying he found it “insulting” that she spoke about artists without consulting him.
“I know nothing about SA artist gigs being cancelled. We can’t be held hostage because of gigs, Abahambe,” McKenzie wrote on social media.
“Abahambe” is a Zulu phrase meaning “they must leave,” commonly used in anti-immigrant rhetoric.
I find it very insulting that Minister @mmkubayi can talk about the plight of artist to the public without talking to me first. I know nothing about SA artist gigs being cancelled. We can’t be held hostage because of gigs, Abahambe 🤛
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 15, 2026
Recent reports have documented violence and unrest targeting foreign nationals in South Africa amid renewed concerns about xenophobia, according to local media.
Anti-immigrant protests and sporadic attacks on foreign-owned businesses have forced migrants from Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and other countries to flee affected areas or seek protection, human rights groups say.
