South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily stepped back from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the presidency saying he is recovering from an unspecified illness.
The 73-year-old president returned to South Africa on Monday following the two-day BRICS meeting in New Delhi and has since been advised by his doctors to rest.
The presidency announced his temporary withdrawal from official engagements on Wednesday, without providing details about the nature of his condition.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” the presidency said in a statement.
Ramaphosa’s absence comes at a time when his deputy, Paul Mashatile, is also away from public duties while recovering from a medical procedure.
The situation means that South Africa’s two highest-ranking political office holders are currently limiting their public activities, although government operations and delegated responsibilities continue.
Mashatile provided an update on his recovery on Tuesday, saying that his condition was improving.
The deputy president said he was gradually regaining his strength and would continue to rest based on medical advice.
“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise,” Mashatile said, adding that work and responsibilities assigned to his office were continuing through his team and government stakeholders.
Ramaphosa’s latest absence follows his participation in the BRICS summit in India, where leaders from the grouping met for two days to discuss a range of international and economic issues.
The summit in New Delhi concluded on Sunday, with discussions focusing on matters including inclusive economic growth and developments in the Middle East.
BRICS brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, alongside an expanded membership that has increased the grouping’s representation across emerging economies.
Ramaphosa attended the summit as South Africa’s representative and returned home the following day.
The presidency has not indicated how long he is expected to remain away from public engagements. His schedule will instead be adjusted according to medical advice, with ministers expected to stand in for him where necessary.
The development comes as South Africa moves into an increasingly active political period ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4.
The elections are expected to place additional demands on political parties and government officials as preparations and campaigning gather pace.
For now, officials have indicated that government work will continue despite the temporary absence of both Ramaphosa and Mashatile from public engagements.
No further details about Ramaphosa’s illness have been released by the presidency, while Mashatile’s office has continued to describe his recovery as progressing.
The presidency is expected to provide further updates if there are significant changes to Ramaphosa’s schedule or condition.
