Ramaphosa And Mashatile Both Step Back From Official Duties Amid Health Issues

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are both temporarily away from their full official programmes while receiving medical care and following advice from their respective medical teams.

The Presidency said on Wednesday that Ramaphosa had been advised to rest and recover after returning from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday. His office said ministers would represent him at scheduled public engagements where necessary.

Mashatile, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that he was recovering from a recent minor medical procedure and would remain on rest until his doctors advised him to resume his duties fully.

Cyril Ramaphosa Takes Medical Leave After BRICS Summit

Cyril Ramaphosa’s health update comes shortly after his return from India, where he attended the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The President returned to South Africa on Monday and was subsequently advised by his medical team to rest.

The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa would not attend some of his scheduled public engagements while he recovers. Ministers have been asked to represent him at engagements where this is possible.

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“Where possible, the President has asked the respective Ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements,” the Presidency said.

Ramaphosa had been active during the BRICS summit, with the Presidency publishing several of his statements and engagements from the event. His latest absence from public duties therefore follows directly after the international trip.

No further details about the President’s condition were provided in the announcement.

Paul Mashatile Continues Recovery After Medical Procedure

Paul Mashatile’s recovery has been ongoing since he underwent a minor medical procedure. In an update issued on Tuesday, the Deputy President said he was making progress and gaining strength.

“As many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day.”

Mashatile said his doctors had advised him to continue resting until they cleared him to resume his full programme. He said work and delegated responsibilities were continuing through his office and other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors.

“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be undertaken by the capable team in my office, together with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” his statement read.

The Presidency previously confirmed that Mashatile became unwell at his home in Johannesburg, subsequently received medical attention and was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation before being discharged. His office has said it will respect his medical privacy and not comment on speculation about his condition.

Ramaphosa And Mashatile Thank South Africans For Support

Both Ramaphosa and Mashatile remain represented in official government activities while they are away from aspects of their public programmes. Mashatile has continued to communicate publicly during his recovery, including through an official message issued by the Presidency.

The Deputy President thanked his family, medical team, office staff, government colleagues and members of the public who had sent messages of support.

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“I wish to thank my family, the medical team who continue to care for me, my team in the office, my colleagues in government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support. Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength.”

Mashatile said he remained committed to the responsibilities entrusted to him and looked forward to returning to his full duties.

“Let us continue working together for the progress of our country. I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment.”

The Presidency has not announced a specific date for either Ramaphosa or Mashatile to resume their full public programmes. Mashatile’s office has said he will return when advised by his medical team.