Minister Chikunga recovering after health scare at Y20 summit

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, is recovering after experiencing a health scare during the opening of the Y20 South Africa Summit 2025 on Monday.

Chikunga was escorted off stage while

delivering a keynote address at the summit, currently underway at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg.

The department confirmed that the Minister is recovering and has been advised to take time off her official schedule to rest and recuperate.

“The Minister remains committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, through economic empowerment, social justice and inclusion, as well as advocacy, mainstreaming, monitoring, and evaluation,” Selala said.

He added that the department continues to work towards “creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all, with a particular focus on empowering and enhancing the well-being of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”

Held from 18-22 August 2025, under the theme "Youth for Global Progress: Uniting for Solidarity, Championing Equality, Driving Sustainability", the summit is the first Y20 gathering held on African soil.

It serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, ensuring that young voices contribute meaningfully to global decision-making.

The summit aims to include voices from across the continent, amplifying youth perspectives in addressing global and regional challenges.

The discussions at the summit will focus on five thematic areas linked to South Africa’s priorities, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda, all reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to social and economic development and climate action.

Under the South African G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, the Y20 Summit will gather youth delegates from G20 nations, regional representatives, and additional invited nations.

In her address, before the incident, the Minister encouraged the youth delegates to consider “pathways to a fairer and more connected world, while dismantling old ones.” – SAnews.gov.za