South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with his office confirming on Wednesday that the 73-year-old leader is unwell.
Ramaphosa returned from the summit on Monday and has been advised by his doctors to rest and recover. His office said, “Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements.”
His absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues recovering from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of South Africa’s top leaders away from public duties.
The BRICS summit, which brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, ended in New Delhi on Sunday after two days of discussions centred on inclusive global growth and the Middle East.
Mashatile said on Tuesday that his “recovery is progressing well” and that he was “regaining strength each day”.
He added, “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.”
The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes as South Africa enters a busy political season ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4.
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