Malian music icon Salif Keïta has withdrawn from a major South African cultural festival, citing concerns over reported xenophobic attacks against African migrants.
The 77-year-old singer was scheduled to perform at the Macufe Festival in the Free State next month.
However, he announced that he would no longer attend because he could not overlook reports of violence directed at foreigners living in South Africa.
Keïta said migrants should not be viewed through a political lens, arguing that many had travelled to South Africa in search of employment, security and a better life.
He stressed that his decision was not an expression of hostility towards South Africans, describing the cancellation instead as a stand against hatred.
He also indicated that he could consider returning to the country in the future.
The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation expressed regret over the decision, stressing that Macufe was established as a platform for promoting African solidarity and cultural exchange.
Keïta, widely celebrated as one of Africa’s greatest vocalists, has enjoyed a career spanning about five decades and played a significant role in taking African music to international audiences.
His announcement comes amid growing demonstrations in South Africa calling for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
An anti-immigrant movement has set 30 September as the date for another nationwide protest.
The country has also witnessed a growing number of foreign nationals choosing to return home voluntarily following reports of intimidation, displacement and attacks.
South African authorities have maintained that while illegal immigration is being addressed, individuals who engage in violence or take enforcement into their own hands will face arrest.
The issue has become increasingly politically sensitive in South Africa, where undocumented migrants are frequently blamed by protesters for straining public services and contributing to criminal activity.
The country remains a major destination for migrants from across the continent because of its relatively strong economy and employment opportunities.
The cancellation coincided with the arrival in Tanzania of the first 173 nationals participating in a voluntary return programme from South Africa.
Some of those repatriated had spent many years in the country.
Abdul Idi, who moved there in 2006 in search of improved economic prospects, said he was relieved to have made it home safely after experiencing what he described as increasingly difficult and unsafe conditions.
Another returnee, 53-year-old Rashid Ramadhan, said he had lived in South Africa for three decades.
He claimed that he and several others were evicted from their accommodation in Durban and had spent two months sleeping outdoors after losing their jobs.
According to figures cited by AFP, more than 160,000 foreigners have departed South Africa through various repatriation arrangements since May.
Nationals of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria are among those who have returned.
The March and March movement, which organised previous anti-migrant demonstrations, says its upcoming September protests will be larger and more coordinated than the June 30 rallies, some of which descended into violence.
Meanwhile, returnees face difficulties rebuilding their lives after leaving behind businesses, employment, homes and personal belongings.
In Ghana, the government has declined approximately $1.7 million in assistance offered by MTN Ghana to help citizens returning from South Africa.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong