‘Born-and-bred South African’: Minister Chikunga hits back at ‘fake citizenship’ claims
Published: 3/Jul/2026
Source: The Citizen (Johannnesburg)
By Lukholo Mazibuko
The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga, has denounced what she calls a “malicious and orchestrated” social media campaign falsely claiming she is not a South African citizen.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, 2 July, her ministry says the online allegations are defamatory, politically motivated and aimed at undermining trust in democratic institutions rather than engaging in honest debate.
‘Born-and-bred South African’
The ministry stresses that Chikunga “is, and has always been, a born-and-bred South African citizen” and is married to a South African spouse.
Read further: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/born-and-bred-south-african-minister-chikunga-hits-back-at-fake-citizenship-claims/