South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from official engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, the Presidency said on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa, 73, returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the two-day BRICS summit in New Delhi.
According to the Presidency, his doctors advised him to rest and recover before resuming his public duties.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Ramaphosa’s absence comes as his deputy, Paul Mashatile, also remains away from official duties while recovering from a minor medical procedure.
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 South African president travelled to India for the BRICS summit, which ended in New Delhi on Sunday.
The summit brought together leaders of the BRICS bloc, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Discussions at the meeting focused on issues including global economic growth and developments in the Middle East.
Ramaphosa returned home on Monday but has since stepped back from his scheduled public engagements on medical advice.
The Presidency did not disclose details about the health issue that prompted the decision.
The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes at a busy period for South Africa.
The country is preparing for local government elections scheduled for November 4, making the absence of the two top officials notable.
However, the Presidency said government business would continue, with ministers representing Ramaphosa at engagements where necessary.
Mashatile is also expected to resume his official responsibilities after his doctors determine that he has recovered sufficiently.
The development has drawn attention because both the president and deputy president are temporarily away from public duties at the same time.
The Presidency has not announced when Ramaphosa is expected to return to his full schedule.
