South Africa says it is not hostile to foreigners. Still, the government admits xenophobia claims are costing its artistes gigs abroad, and it is now warning citizens not to take the law into their own hands.

The South African Government is pushing back against the idea that the country is hostile to foreign nationals, insisting it remains a welcoming host despite migration pressures at home, cbinews.TV reports.

According to the South African Government News Agency, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi addressed the issue during an Inter Ministerial Committee on Migration briefing broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday.

“South Africa has historically welcomed and continues to host people from diverse countries across the globe,” Kubayi said, defending the country’s international reputation.

But she also had a clear warning for citizens. Kubayi, who chairs the IMC, told people not to launch targeted operations or street violence against foreign nationals.

In a video from the briefing, published by the local outlet MDNtv on Sunday, she urged communities to ignore social media rumours and work with law enforcement rather than resorting to mob justice.

She reminded the public that protesting is a constitutional right, but lawlessness won’t be tolerated. “As a government, we are fully aware of the impact of this challenge on our economic resources and the general strain this causes on the provision of social and economic services. All those who are protesting on our streets are within their constitutional right to do so,” she said.

The government is now feeling the impact of xenophobia claims abroad. Kubayi disclosed that event organisers are systematically cancelling shows booked for South African artistes, leading to income losses for businesses owned by its citizens in other countries.

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