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Ramaphosa Withdraws From Public Engagements Over Ill Health as South Africa’s Top Two Leaders Remain Off Public Duties
Ramaphosa Withdraws From Public Engagements Over Ill Health as South Africa’s Top Two Leaders Remain Off Public Duties
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the Presidency announcing that the 73-year-old leader is resting on the advice of his doctors.
The development means that both of South Africa’s highest-ranking political office holders are currently away from their normal public schedules, as Deputy President Paul Mashatile also continues his recovery from a recent minor medical procedure.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday following the BRICS summit and was subsequently advised by his medical team to rest and allow himself time to recover.
His temporary absence comes shortly after South Africa participated in a two-day meeting of BRICS leaders in New Delhi, where heads of government from the bloc held discussions on issues ranging from global economic growth to developments in the Middle East.
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BRICS brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, alongside its expanded membership, and the summit provided an opportunity for participating countries to discuss international economic cooperation and broader geopolitical issues.
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With Ramaphosa currently resting, the Presidency indicated that government business would continue, with ministers expected to represent him at engagements where necessary.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said in a statement.
The announcement comes as Deputy President Mashatile remains away from public duties following his medical procedure.
Mashatile, who has been recovering under medical supervision, said on Tuesday that his “recovery is 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,” Mashatile said.
The simultaneous absence of the President and Deputy President has drawn attention because it comes at a particularly active period for South Africa’s political calendar.
The country is preparing for the local government elections scheduled for November 4, placing additional importance on the continuity of government operations and political activities in the weeks ahead.
Despite the absence of both leaders from public engagements, the statements from their respective offices indicate that government responsibilities and delegated duties are continuing through ministers, officials and their established administrative teams.
Ramaphosa’s withdrawal is therefore being treated as a temporary period of rest and recovery following his international diplomatic engagements, while Mashatile continues with his own recovery under medical advice.
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