The South African Government has expressed concern over the growing backlash against its citizens and businesses across Africa amid allegations of x+nophobic treatment of foreign nationals in the country.
Speaking during an interview with SABC on Sunday, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, insisted that recent operations leading to the deportation of undocumented migrants were aimed at illegal immigrants and were not driven by x+nophobia.
Kubayi admitted that the country is already feeling the effects of the backlash, with South African businesses and entertainers suffering financial losses.
“We can’t lie about the backlash,” she said, noting that government officials have been engaging South African companies operating abroad and providing support through diplomatic and consular channels.
