South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily suspended his public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the presidency saying he is taking time to recover from ill health.
The 73-year-old president returned to South Africa on Monday following the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders discussed issues including global economic growth and developments in the Middle East.
The South African presidency announced on Wednesday that Ramaphosa had been advised by his doctors to rest and recuperate.
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“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said in a statement.
Ramaphosa’s temporary withdrawal comes as his deputy, Paul Mashatile, is also away from public duties while recovering from a minor medical procedure.
Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing positively and that he was gradually regaining his strength.
“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” he said.
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The simultaneous absence of the president and deputy president means South Africa’s two highest-ranking political office holders are currently not participating in their usual public engagements.
The development comes as the country approaches a busy political period ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4.
The BRICS summit ended in New Delhi on Sunday, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to discuss global economic cooperation, international affairs and other major issues.
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