South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after falling ill, with his medical team advising him to rest and recover, the Presidency said on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. His decision to step back from scheduled public engagements followed medical advice, according to a statement from his office.
The Presidency did not disclose the nature of the president’s illness or provide a specific timeline for his return to his normal programme. It said that, where possible, ministers would represent Ramaphosa at scheduled public engagements during his absence.
The development comes shortly after Ramaphosa completed a busy international schedule at the BRICS summit, where he participated in discussions on global governance, multilateralism and inclusive economic growth. He also took part in business and diplomatic engagements during the summit.
Ramaphosa’s withdrawal from public engagements also comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues his own recovery following a minor medical procedure. Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well but that, on the advice of his doctors, he would continue resting until he is cleared to return fully to his official duties.
Mashatile’s office has previously said that his official responsibilities were continuing to be managed by his team while he recovered. The Presidency has also urged the public and media to rely on official information concerning his health rather than speculation.
Despite Ramaphosa’s temporary absence from public engagements, the Presidency continued to issue official communications in his name on Wednesday. These included the signing of legislation and other government matters, while some engagements have been delegated to ministers.
The president had been scheduled for several official activities following his return from India. On Tuesday, the Presidency published a statement on his response to the recent killings of women in the East Rand and other official communications.
Ramaphosa’s health-related absence comes at a time when South Africa is dealing with several major domestic and international issues, including preparations for the country’s upcoming local government elections and continued government efforts on security and economic matters.
For now, the Presidency has provided no indication that Ramaphosa is stepping away from his constitutional responsibilities. The announcement concerns his public engagements and follows medical advice that he should rest and recover.
The duration of his absence from public engagements will depend on further medical advice, while ministers are expected to represent him at scheduled events where necessary.
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