Cyril Ramaphosa Booked Off Sick After Returning From BRICS Summit in India, South Africans Weigh In
- The Presidency announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been booked off from public engagements due to ill health
- President Ramaphosa returned from the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Monday before his medical team advised him to rest
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Ramaphosa's illness, sharing mixed reactions to his absence
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
SOUTH AFRICA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has been ordered to rest by his medical team and will not attend public engagements while he recovers from illness.
The Presidency announced the development on 16 September, confirming that Ramaphosa had been booked off following advice from his doctors. The statement did not specify the nature of his condition or provide a timeline for his return to official duties.
Ramaphosa returns from New Delhi
The President arrived back in South Africa on Monday, 14 September 2026, after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The summit took place on 12 and 13 September.
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Ramaphosa played an active role at the gathering, delivering remarks on artificial intelligence governance, multilateralism, and economic cooperation under India's chairship theme of resilience and innovation.
With Ramaphosa now unavailable for engagements, the Presidency said he had requested that relevant Cabinet ministers represent him at events already on his schedule where possible.
How did South Africans react?
News of the president's illness drew a mixed response on social media, with many users taking a light-hearted approach to the announcement.
@dramadelinquent wrote:
"No one will notice his absence anyway. Hope he recovers quickly though."
@V_Ketshabile suggested:
"Elect Mkhwanazi for acting president, just until Sunday."
@The1tatgtaway raised a more pointed concern:
"The President is sick, the Deputy President is not well. Who is standing in for both, or is South Africa on autopilot?"
@Blackxx2bird was more blunt:
"Tell him to step down. His services are no longer needed."
Andre Viljoen joked:
"Haibo. It's becoming a trend now."
Paul Mashatile addresses his health issues
Briefly News reported that Deputy President Paul Mashatile posted a statement on X addressing his prolonged absence from public life.
Mashatile confirmed he underwent a minor medical procedure and said his recovery was progressing well on doctors' advice.
The Deputy President had not been seen at public events since Mandela Day on 18 July 2026, missing ANC events and cabinet meetings.
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Source: Briefly News
