South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, his office said Wednesday, citing ill health.
Ramaphosa, 73, returned from the summit in New Delhi on Monday and has been advised by his doctors to rest and recover, the presidency said in a statement.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said.
Two Top Leaders Away At Once
His absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues recovering from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of South Africa’s top two leaders away from public duties at the same time.
Mashatile said 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 BRICS bloc — made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, alongside newer members — concluded a two-day summit in New Delhi on Sunday, where leaders discussed inclusive global growth and the Middle East. Ramaphosa attended as South Africa’s head of state and current representative in the bloc.
Timing Ahead Of Local Elections
The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes as South Africa enters an increasingly busy political season ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.
The elections will determine leadership across the country’s municipal councils, which oversee local services including water, electricity and refuse collection.
Neither the presidency nor the deputy president’s office has given a specific date for when either leader is expected to resume full public duties, though officials say government business continues through delegated ministers and staff in the interim.
