The Presidency of South Africa has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from all public engagements following medical advice to rest and recover from an undisclosed illness.
According to an official media statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the President’s medical team recommended the period of rest shortly after his return to South Africa on Monday. President Ramaphosa had just concluded his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit, which took place in New Delhi, India. The executive office did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the President’s illness or how long he is expected to remain out of the public eye.
To ensure the continuity of government functions and state representations, the President has requested that various cabinet ministers step in to fulfill his duties at previously scheduled public events where possible.
The announcement comes at a delicate time for the executive arm of the government. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also currently absent from the public eye as he continues his recovery following a recent medical procedure. With both of the nation’s top executive figures temporarily sidelined on medical grounds, cabinet ministers will assume a more prominent role in handling upcoming state functions and public addresses in the interim.
The Presidency has assured the public that the measures are precautionary to allow the head of state a full recovery, and updates regarding his return to official duties are expected to follow as his health improves.