President Cyril Ramaphosa has been temporarily booked off from public engagements after falling ill, the Presidency confirmed last night, 16 September 2026.
Also see: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ‘clock it’ divides South African youth
According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa’s medical team has advised him to rest and recover. The President returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the BRICS Summit in India.
According to Reuters, the Presidency has not disclosed the nature of Ramaphosa’s illness nor indicated how long he is expected to remain away from public engagements.
It said that, where possible, the President has asked relevant Cabinet ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements during his absence.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA BOOKED OFF FROM PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
The Presidency wishes to advise that, due to ill health, President @CyrilRamaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements.
President Ramaphosa, who returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday, has been…
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) September 16, 2026
The announcement comes after the BRICS Summit
This announcement comes shortly after our president attended the BRICS Summit in India, where South Africa joined other member states in discussions on international cooperation and economic and global issues.
Reuters reported that Ramaphosa’s decision to step back from public engagements was made on the advice of his medical team.
The Presidency has not announced when Ramaphosa will resume his public programme.
Also see: President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded an honorary doctorate
Deputy President has also booked off
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced in a statement that he had recently undergone a minor medical procedure. He said he was pleased to share that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining strength each day.
According to Mail & Guardian, his statement said, “On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be undertaken by the capable team in my office, together with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors.”
The Deputy President has been ill for some time, and it is still unclear when he will resume his duties.
MESSAGE BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE ON HIS PROGRESSIVE RECOVERY
15 SEPTEMBER 2026
Fellow South Africans, as many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day.… pic.twitter.com/FfMNk1XTxc
— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) September 15, 2026
Also see: Judge President Selby Mbenenge fights to keep job as impeachment is put on hold
Featured image: X/@PresidencyZA
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