Department defends minister Chikunga after backlash over 1990s skills comments (opens original article in a new tab)

The South African department defending minister Chikunga after backlash over her comments on historical skills gaps among black South Africans, stating her remarks were taken out of context and aimed to highlight post-apartheid progress.

• The department of women, youth and persons with disabilities defended minister Sindisiwe Chikunga after backlash over her comments on historical lack of certain skills among black South Africans in the 1990s.
• Chikunga stated that black South Africans were restricted from certain professions during apartheid, but the department said her remarks were taken out of context and aimed to highlight post-apartheid improvements.
• The department emphasized that Chikunga's intention was to show current opportunities for youth and called for private sector collaboration to address youth unemployment.