Artists and activists gathered at the Central Methodist Mission Church in Cape Town on Saturday, 20 June 2026, to host a solidarity concert marking World Refugee Day and to formally reject the rise of Afrophobia in South Africa. The event, organised by the Ad Hoc Committee for Organising Musicians (AHCOM), featured performances by artists from across the continent, highlighting a shared call for unity amidst increasing social tensions.
Community Activism And Public Response
The concert follows a silent walk held earlier that morning in Sea Point, arranged by Mothers4Gaza to express solidarity with immigrants. These actions are part of a broader national movement, with over 120 South African organisations now backing a campaign to confront xenophobia, ethnic chauvinism, and organised hate.
Today we say no to those in this country who are violently trying to force our fellow Africans into fear and hiding.
Speaking at the event, Asher Gamedze emphasised the urgency of the movement as recent immigration tensions have led to displacement and unrest. Thabang Bhili, representing Zabalaza for Socialism, added that migrant populations are frequently scapegoated for systemic failures in service delivery and unemployment that they did not create.
Economic And National Implications
The rise in anti-immigrant sentiment has had tangible consequences beyond social cohesion, affecting South Africa’s cultural and economic footprint. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi stated during a recent briefing that South African artists have faced cancelled international bookings due to the perception of widespread xenophobia in the country.
Stanley Sibande, a Zambian national living in Cape Town, noted during the concert that the climate of fear impacts families deeply, particularly those with children who are South African by birth yet face societal challenges due to their parents’ origin. The government has acknowledged the diplomatic and economic friction resulting from these perceptions, as civil society continues to lobby for policies that prioritise integrated community living over exclusionary rhetoric. Further updates on these civil society initiatives are expected as the national campaign continues to gain momentum.