Ramaphosa’s return to public duties remains unclear after ill health

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been temporarily booked off from public engagements after falling ill, the Presidency confirmed on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa’s medical team has advised him to rest and recover following his return from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday.

President Ramaphosa, who returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday, has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover.

The Presidency has not disclosed the nature of the President’s illness nor indicated how long he is expected to remain away from public engagements. It stated that, where possible, the President has asked relevant Cabinet ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements during his absence.

This development comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also currently off work while recovering from a minor medical procedure.