The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements due to ill health, on the advice of his medical team.
President Ramaphosa, 73, returned to South Africa on Monday following his attendance at the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi, India. The two-day summit, which concluded on Sunday, focused on inclusive global growth and developments in the Middle East.
In a statement issued today, the Presidency confirmed that the President has been booked off from public duties to rest and recover. “Where possible, the President has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements,” the statement said. No timeframe has been given for the duration of his absence.
The announcement comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues his recovery from a minor medical procedure. In a statement on Tuesday, Mashatile noted that his recovery is progressing well and that he is regaining strength each day. On the advice of his doctors, he will continue resting while delegated responsibilities are handled by his office team and other stakeholders in government.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola is expected to lead South Africa’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in the President’s absence.