South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from all public engagements on the advice of his doctors, the presidency announced on Wednesday. The 73-year-old leader returned from the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, on Monday and was instructed to rest and recover.
Presidency Confirms Medical Advice Behind President's Absence
The presidency confirmed that ministers would stand in for Ramaphosa at scheduled events. "Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements," his office said in a statement. The announcement comes just days after Ramaphosa attended the two-day BRICS summit, which concluded on Sunday.
Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa gathered in New Delhi, with talks centring on inclusive global growth and developments in the Middle East. The summit marked a significant diplomatic engagement for the South African president before his sudden withdrawal from public duties.
Deputy President Mashatile Also Out of Action
The president's absence overlaps with that of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is recovering from a minor medical procedure. Mashatile said on Tuesday that his condition was improving. "My recovery is progressing well and I am regaining strength each day," Mashatile said in a statement.
He added that on doctors' advice, he would continue resting "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." The deputy president's comments suggest a coordinated approach to managing official duties during his recovery period.
Timing Raises Concerns Ahead of Local Elections
The fact that both of South Africa's top leaders are unavailable at the same time has drawn attention, particularly because the country is heading into an increasingly active political period. Local government elections are scheduled for November 4, making the coming weeks a critical time for the ruling administration.
The simultaneous absence of both the president and deputy president has raised questions about leadership continuity during this sensitive period. However, the presidency has emphasised that ministers will represent the president at scheduled events, ensuring that government business continues without interruption.
No timeline has been given for when either Ramaphosa or Mashatile is expected to resume their full official duties. The lack of a clear timeline has left observers speculating about the severity of the president's condition and the potential impact on the upcoming election campaign.
