South Africa’s Ramaphosa withdraws from duties over ill health

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with the presidency citing ill health.

Ramaphosa’s absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues to recover from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of the country’s top leaders temporarily away from public duties.

The 73-year-old president returned from the BRICS summit in India on Monday and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover, the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.