Cyril Ramaphosa booked off sick after returning from BRICS summit in India

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been booked off from public engagements on medical advice after returning from the BRICS summit in India.

The Presidency announced this on Wednesday, 17 September 2026, without disclosing the nature of the illness.

Ramaphosa, 73, returned from New Delhi on Monday and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover.

His absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues recovering from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of South Africa’s top leaders away from public duties.

“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements,” his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said.

The ANC joins South Africans in wishing President Ramaphosa strength and good health as he takes the necessary time to rest and recover. We look forward to his return to his responsibilities and public engagements,” said national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

“Consequently, the president’s planned campaign programme in eThekwini has been suspended. The ANC will communicate revised details of the programme once the president has recovered and is able to resume public engagements.”

The ANC called on its members, supporters, and the public to allow the president the time he needs to recuperate and wished him a speedy recovery.

Mashatile said on Tuesday that his “recovery is progressing well” and that he was “regaining strength each day”.

“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,” Mashatile said.

The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes as South Africa enters an increasingly busy political season ahead of local government elections on November 4.