Gareth Cliff Takes a Shot at Deputy President Mashatile's Return to Duty

• Gareth Cliff reacted to news of Deputy President Paul Mashatile resuming his duties after a prolonged absence from public life
• Mashatile had not been seen at public events since Mandela Day on 18 July 2026, missing ANC events and cabinet meetings
• Cliff's cheeky dig at the Deputy President caught Mzansi's attention and sparked a wave of reactions online

South African radio and podcast host Gareth Cliff had Mzansi talking on 8 October 2026 after he took a cheeky swipe at Deputy President Paul Mashatile's return to work. When eNCA broke the news that Mashatile had resumed his duties following a health recovery, Cliff responded with a comment that stopped many people in their tracks.

"That's a relief. What was he doing before we noticed he was away?" Cliff posted on X, poking fun at how long it took the public to realise the country's second-in-command had been missing from the scene.

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Mashatile's Long Absence From Public Life

Mashatile had last been seen at a public event on Mandela Day, 18 July 2026. Over the weeks that followed, he was notably absent from ANC events and cabinet meetings, drawing growing curiosity about his whereabouts. On 15 September 2026, the Deputy President addressed the speculation directly in a statement posted on X, confirming he had undergone a minor medical procedure and that his recovery was progressing well under medical supervision.

He officially resumed his duties on Thursday, 8 October 2026, which is what prompted the eNCA broadcast and Cliff's response.

Mzansi Weighs In

Cliff's dig opened the floodgates for public commentary, with many South Africans adding their own colourful takes. Below are some of the reactions:

@JLioundris wrote: "🤣😆 nothing….. however the second in charge always seems to have a health crisis David and Paul..🤣😆 .."

@Herley1David said: "He was helping with the riots in France"

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@MartinK96768685 posted: "Looting has been down but will return to ANC standards soon"

@billy_rugg commented: "No difference to the previous DP. Just token faces with zero power. There to get a pay cheque"

@SiriusBShaman asked: "How did he get hundreds of millions?"

Penuel suggests Mashatile may have been poisoned

Previously, Briefly News reported that podcast host and social commentator Penuel Mlotshwa sent social media into overdrive after reacting to swirling rumours that Deputy President Paul Mashatile may have been poisoned.

Source: Briefly News