South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with his medical team advising him to rest and recover.
The Presidency announced the development on Wednesday, September 16, saying Ramaphosa had been booked off from public engagements because of ill health.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday following the BRICS summit in New Delhi, which brought together leaders of the bloc for discussions on global economic cooperation and other international issues.
The Presidency said that where necessary, Ramaphosa had asked relevant ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements while he recuperates.
No further details about the nature or severity of the president’s health condition were provided by his office.
Mashatile also recovering
Ramaphosa’s temporary absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues to recover from a minor medical procedure.
In a message released on Tuesday, Mashatile said his recovery was progressing well and that he was gradually regaining his strength.
He said his doctors had advised him to continue resting while his office and other government stakeholders handled his delegated responsibilities.
The Presidency had previously said Mashatile underwent a minor surgical procedure and was continuing to receive medical care and rest. His office also confirmed that he remained in contact with his team and had participated in some meetings virtually.
The simultaneous health-related absence of South Africa’s president and deputy president comes as the country approaches its local government elections, scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Despite Ramaphosa’s temporary withdrawal from public engagements, government activities are continuing, with ministers and officials representing him where required.
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The Presidency has not indicated how long Ramaphosa will remain away from public engagements, saying only that he has been advised to rest and recover.