South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with his office citing ill health.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover, the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said.
The 73-year-old president’s absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile also remains away from public duties while recovering from a minor medical procedure.
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The BRICS summit, which brought together leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, concluded on Sunday after two days of discussions focused on inclusive global growth and the situation in the Middle East.
Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining 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.
The simultaneous absence of South Africa’s president and deputy president comes as the country enters a busy political period ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4.
The presidency did not provide further details about Ramaphosa’s condition or specify when he would resume his public engagements.