South African President Withdraws From Public Engagements Over Ill Health

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the presidency attributing his absence to ill health.

Ramaphosa, 73, returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders of the bloc discussed issues including inclusive global growth and developments in the Middle East.

The presidency said on Wednesday that Ramaphosa had been advised by his doctors to rest and recover.

“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said in a statement.

His absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile also remains away from public duties while recovering from a minor medical procedure.

Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well, adding that he was regaining strength daily.

“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,” he said.

The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile leaves South Africa’s two highest-ranking political leaders temporarily away from public engagements.

The development comes as the country enters an increasingly busy political period ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4.

The BRICS summit, which concluded in New Delhi on Sunday, brought together leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with discussions centred on global economic growth and major international issues.