The development comes as South Africa continues to face widespread criticism from several African countries over its treatment of foreign nationals. The latest unrest was sparked in late April by the March and March movement, which led to mass demonstrations in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. The situation has since escalated into a broader continental backlash with both social and economic consequences.
Following the unrest, around 350 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa, while more than 800 others reportedly registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to return home voluntarily. Nigeria and other African nations have also expressed concern, issuing advisories to their citizens living in South Africa.
Speaking in a press briefing, Kubayi acknowledged the growing impact of the crisis on the country’s creative sector, revealing that several artistes are now facing cancelled bookings across Africa.
She further noted that government will engage stakeholders in the arts and culture industry to fully assess the economic impact, stressing that South African performers rely heavily on continental bookings and live events for income.
Authorities say further assessments are underway to determine the broader implications of the cancellations on the country’s creative economy as diplomatic and social tensions persist.
