South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily stepped back from public engagements and official government duties following medical advice after falling ill upon returning from international travels.
According to an official statement released by the South African Presidency, the 73-year-old leader took ill after flying back from the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India.
The Presidency confirmed that “President Ramaphosa, who returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday, has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover”.
Cabinet ministers will stand in for him at scheduled events. Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also recovering from a medical procedure, leaving both top leadership offices temporarily absent.
This simultaneous absence comes at a critical time for South Africa as the administration prepares for upcoming local government elections scheduled for November. Government operations and delegated tasks continue through administrative teams.
