South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the presidency saying he is recovering from an unspecified health issue.
Ramaphosa’s absence coincides with Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s continued recovery from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of South Africa’s top leaders away from their public duties.
The 73-year-old president returned from the BRICS summit on Monday and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover, according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday.
Leaders of the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — concluded their two-day summit in New Delhi on Sunday. Discussions at the meeting included inclusive global growth and developments in the Middle East.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” the presidency said.
Meanwhile, Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining strength each day.
“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” he said.
The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes as South Africa approaches a busy political period ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.
