South Africa’s Ramaphosa Steps Back From Official Duties Over Health Concerns

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from official duties after his medical team advised him to rest and recover following his return from the BRICS Summit in India.

The Presidency announced the development on Wednesday, saying Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday, September 14, after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The Presidency did not disclose the nature of the 73-year-old president’s health condition but said his media team had advised him to take time away from scheduled public engagements.

Ramaphosa has also asked relevant ministers to represent him at planned official events where necessary, allowing government activities to continue during his absence.

The development comes a day after South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that he was recovering from a minor medical procedure.

Mashatile said his recovery was progressing well and that, on the advice of his doctors, he would continue resting until they advised him to resume his official responsibilities.

With both Ramaphosa and Mashatile temporarily away from public duties, South Africa’s two highest-ranking government officials are currently taking time away from their official engagements.

Before returning home, Ramaphosa attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which brought together leaders of the bloc made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

During the summit, Ramaphosa participated in discussions covering global governance, multilateralism, trade, supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy and innovation.

His absence comes at a politically sensitive period for South Africa, following a decision by the United States to impose visa restrictions on individuals it accused of discriminating against the country’s white minority.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has criticised some South African policies aimed at addressing racial inequality, particularly measures affecting Afrikaners.

South Africa has repeatedly rejected the allegations of discrimination against the white minority.

The country is also dealing with a major police investigation in Gauteng following the discovery of the bodies of eight women in the Ekurhuleni area.

South African police authorities have launched efforts to identify those responsible for the deaths, with investigators receiving increased attention from senior government officials.

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said one suspect had been arrested in connection with one of the bodies discovered in July.

Authorities have also announced a $25,000 (about R400,000) reward for information that could help investigators make a breakthrough in the cases.