Presidency Breaks Silence on Deputy President Paul Mashatile's Health Condition

• The Presidency confirmed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile underwent a minor surgical procedure after falling ill at his Johannesburg home
• Mashatile has not appeared at public engagements since mid-July, when he last attended an official event in KwaZulu-Natal on Mandela Day
• His spokesperson Keith Khoza confirmed Mashatile has been managing responsibilities remotely and is looking forward to returning to duties

SOUTH AFRICA — The Presidency has officially addressed growing public speculation about Deputy President Paul Mashatile's extended absence from public engagements, confirming that he is recuperating after undergoing a minor surgical procedure.

Mashatile fell ill at his Johannesburg residence before seeking medical attention. He has not appeared at any public events since mid-July, when he travelled to KwaZulu-Natal on Mandela Day to launch a water services project.

Mashatile managing duties remotely

Despite his recovery, Mashatile has not stepped back entirely from his responsibilities. He has participated in parliamentary proceedings through virtual platforms and has maintained contact with his office throughout his absence. This included joining a parliamentary session last week during a vote of no confidence in Speaker Thoko Didiza.

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Spokesperson Keith Khoza confirmed that official functions have continued to be handled appropriately in the interim.

"The deputy president is recovering well and remains in contact with his office. His programme and official responsibilities continue to be managed appropriately during his recovery," Khoza said.

Khoza also noted that Mashatile had expressed gratitude for the messages of support he received during this period, and that the Deputy President was eager to return to full duties once his medical team cleared him to do so.

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Medical privacy respected

The Presidency stated it would not engage with speculation regarding the specific nature of Mashatile's condition, citing his right to medical privacy as the reason for withholding further detail.

The update comes at a time when another senior member of Cabinet is also on sick leave. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has been absent from his duties, with Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni appointed to act in his place until the end of September.

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Mashatile's name appears at the Madlanga Commission

Briefly News previously reported that Deputy President Paul Mashatile's name was mentioned during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Sergeant Fannie Nkosi testified at the Madlanga Commission that Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala claimed he was going to meet with Mashatile and suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.The Presidency issued a categorical denial, stating that Mashatile does not know Matlala, has never had any dealings with him, and was out of the country during the alleged timeframe.

Source: Briefly News