Mali music star Salif Keïta cancels South African concerts over ‘xenophobic violence’

Renowned Malian musician Salif Keïta, also known as the "Golden Voice of Africa," has canceled his South African concert tour due to concerns over "xenophobic violence." This decision has been met with disappointment in the Free State province, where he was set to perform at the Macufe festival. South Africa has witnessed a surge of protests demanding the departure of undocumented migrants, with a deadline of 30 September set for their departure.

The country, Africa's wealthiest, has seen tens of thousands of Africans voluntarily repatriated in recent months, some citing intimidation and attacks as reasons for their return. While the South African government asserts that those taking matters into their own hands have been arrested, illegal immigration remains a politically charged issue, with critics accusing undocumented migrants of overburdening public services and engaging in crime.

Keïta, who has been active in the music industry for 50 years, expressed his inability to condone the violence against African migrants who are merely seeking work, safety, and dignity. He clarified that his cancellation of the Macufe festival appearance was a statement against hate, not a rejection of South Africans. The Free State's culture department regretted Keïta's decision, emphasizing that the festival was a celebration of African unity.

The first group of 173 Tanzanians returned from South Africa as part of a voluntary repatriation program, marking the end of decades spent in the country for some. Abdul Idi, a 53-year-old Tanzanian repatriate, expressed gratitude for his safe return, while Rashid Ramadhan, another longtime resident, detailed the hardships faced by those left behind in South Africa.

Over 160,000 people have repatriated since May, including Malawians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Ghanaians, and Nigerians. Anti-migrant group March and March has announced a second wave of nationwide protests set for 30 September, with organizers vowing for a more organized demonstration than their June counterparts. These returning migrants often require support, having lost their livelihoods and possessions, but Ghana has rejected a $1.7 million donation from MTN Ghana to aid Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa, citing its commitment to funding the evacuation and reintegration of its citizens.