South Africa's 73-year-old President Ramaphosa has fallen ill after returning home from the BRICS leaders' summit in India.

According to a presidential spokesperson, Ramaphosa had asked cabinet ministers to represent him at scheduled public events wherever possible, without specifying how long his absence might last.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will lead South Africa's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly this year in President Ramaphosa's absence.

Lamola is traveling to the United States amidst allegations of racism against South Africans and the imposition of visa restrictions by the U.S. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump had claimed that South Africa's white minority was being persecuted.

South Africa rejected these claims, stating there is no evidence of discrimination against white people and asserting its right to formulate policies to address the legacy of centuries of racial injustice.