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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily stepped back from public appearances due to illness, according to the Presidency.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where leaders of the expanded bloc met from September 12 to 13.
In a statement, the Presidency said Ramaphosa’s medical team advised him to rest and recover, but it did not disclose the nature of his illness or how long he is expected to remain away from public duties.
“Due to ill health, President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements,” the Presidency said.
It added that Ramaphosa had asked relevant ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements where possible.
The announcement comes shortly after the president’s participation in the BRICS summit, where he joined leaders from member states including Brazil, China, India, Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Credit: Reuters
Ramaphosa addressed the summit on strengthening multilateralism and inclusive global governance and participated in other engagements during the meeting.
India hosted the 2026 summit under its BRICS chairship, focusing on cooperation among the expanded grouping, including global governance, trade, technology, health and international security.
The Presidency has not indicated whether Ramaphosa’s illness will affect his upcoming international or domestic engagements.
The development also comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile remains on sick leave following what he described as a minor medical procedure. Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was gradually regaining strength.
Ramaphosa, who became South Africa’s president in 2018, is currently serving his second full term after the African National Congress formed a Government of National Unity following the 2024 general election.
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
