By Emmanuel Nduka
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from official engagements after falling ill, following his return from the BRICS summit in India.
The country’s Presidency disclosed this on Wednesday, saying Ramaphosa had been advised by his medical team to take time off to rest and recover. No details were provided about the nature or severity of his illness.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders of the bloc discussed issues including global economic growth and developments in the Middle East.
“Where possible, the President has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” the Presidency said.
The development comes at a time when Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also recovering from a medical procedure, leaving South Africa’s two highest-ranking political office holders temporarily away from their normal public duties.
Mashatile had said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining strength each day.
Ramaphosa, 73, has continued to undertake a busy schedule of domestic and international engagements in recent weeks, including his participation in the BRICS summit.
His temporary withdrawal is expected to affect some of his scheduled public engagements, with ministers to represent him where necessary.
The Presidency did not indicate how long Ramaphosa would remain away from official engagements or when he would resume his normal schedule.
