South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in India, with the Presidency saying he has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover.
The Presidency announced the development on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, without disclosing the nature or severity of the health issue affecting the 73-year-old president.
According to the official statement, Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday following his participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi and was subsequently advised by his doctors to take time off from public engagements. Blueprint reports
The development means that Ramaphosa will temporarily step back from scheduled public activities, although there was no indication that he had transferred his presidential powers or that the government had been affected in its day-to-day operations.
Ministers to represent president at engagements
The Presidency said Ramaphosa had asked relevant ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements wherever possible during his period of recovery.
“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” the Presidency said in its statement.
The announcement was carefully limited to the president’s public schedule, with no further medical information released.
The Presidency has previously emphasised the importance of relying on official information concerning the health of senior government officials rather than speculation or unverified reports.
Ramaphosa had maintained an active international and domestic programme in the days leading up to the announcement.
Return from BRICS summit in India
The South African president was among the leaders who attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.
The summit brought together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, with discussions covering global governance, economic cooperation, inclusive growth and developments in the Middle East.
Ramaphosa participated in several sessions during the summit, including discussions on inclusive global governance, multilateralism and inclusive global growth. Official records from the Presidency show that he delivered statements during the summit on September 12 and 13.
The summit also produced a joint declaration addressing international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and broader questions surrounding global economic and political cooperation.
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday before being advised to rest and recover.
Deputy president also recovering
Ramaphosa’s temporary withdrawal from public engagements comes at a time when his deputy, Paul Mashatile, is also recovering from a medical procedure.
Mashatile disclosed on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining strength each day.
The Deputy President said he had undergone a minor medical procedure and, on the advice of his doctors, would continue resting until he was advised to resume his full programme.
He also said work and delegated responsibilities continued through his office and relevant government and other stakeholders.
The Office of the Deputy President had earlier explained that Mashatile became unwell at his home in Johannesburg, subsequently received medical attention and was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation before being discharged.
His office said he remained in contact with his team and had continued participating in some important meetings virtually.
Presidency maintains normal government operations
Despite both of South Africa’s top executive officeholders being temporarily away from some public engagements, the Presidency has given no indication of any interruption to the functioning of government.
Ramaphosa’s latest announcement concerns his participation in public engagements, while ministers have been asked to represent him at scheduled events where necessary.
The president had also continued to conduct official business shortly before the announcement.
On September 16, the Presidency announced that Ramaphosa had signed the Public Service Commission Bill into law. The legislation strengthens the role of the Public Service Commission in promoting constitutional values and professional ethics within the public service.
The Presidency also listed several recent engagements and statements by Ramaphosa, including his declaration of November 4, 2026, as a public holiday for South Africa’s local government elections.
Health details remain private
No medical diagnosis has been released concerning Ramaphosa’s condition.
The Presidency’s statement did not indicate whether the president had been hospitalised, nor did it provide a timeframe for his return to public engagements.
The limited information means that reports or claims concerning the specific nature of his illness cannot be independently established from the official statement.
The development nevertheless prompted attention because of the timing, coming shortly after the president’s return from an international summit and amid the ongoing recovery of the deputy president.
Focus on recovery
For now, Ramaphosa’s immediate schedule is expected to be adjusted while he follows medical advice.
The Presidency has indicated that ministers will represent him at engagements where possible, allowing scheduled government activities to continue during his absence.
The president’s decision to step back from public engagements also reflects the official position that he should rest and recover following medical advice.
Meanwhile, Mashatile’s office has continued to report progress in his recovery, with the Deputy President expressing appreciation to South Africans and others who have sent messages of support.
Both developments have placed renewed attention on the health and workload of South Africa’s senior political leadership, although official statements have provided limited medical details.
For Ramaphosa, the Presidency has urged no alarm, announcing simply that he has been booked off from public engagements and advised to rest.
Further information about his return to official public activities is expected to come from the Presidency when appropriate.