Presidency issues update on Paul Mashatile’s health status

0 Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Image: X via @PMashatile Home » Presidency issues update on Paul Mashatile’s health status

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is back at work after medical leave, while former president Jacob Zuma has reportedly been hospitalised in KZN.

0 Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Image: X via @PMashatile Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially resumed his official duties following a “full recovery”.

The Presidency confirmed in a statement that Mashatile had returned to work at the start of the week, ending an extended period of medical leave following a minor procedure undergone earlier this year.

The deputy president had been absent from public engagements since late July 2026, with his first public sighting occurring in mid-September when he hosted former president Thabo Mbeki at his home.

Expressing gratitude to the public, Mashatile thanked South Africans for their messages of goodwill and support.

“Your thoughts, prayers and calls have been greatly appreciated,” Mashatile said. “They have all made a positive impact on the journey towards recovery. For that, I am most grateful.”

He previously noted he looked forward to “returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment”.

Mashatile’s immediate itinerary includes chairing Cabinet committees, attending the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement, addressing oral questions in the National Council of Provinces, and resuming his political programme.

However, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Namane Dickson Masemola, will represent him on Monday, 12 October, to deliver a keynote address at the 8th Social Justice Summit at Stellenbosch University.

Mashatile’s return comes after a period where both he and President Cyril Ramaphosa faced health setbacks, with Ramaphosa briefly booked off on medical advice following his return from the BRICS summit in India.

In another presidential development, former president Jacob Zuma is currently out of action.

The 84-year-old leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party was hospitalised in KwaZulu-Natal this week after campaigning in Msinga ahead of upcoming local government elections.

While reports indicate Zuma arrived at a private hospital by ambulance after taking ill during campaigning, MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu downplayed concerns, maintaining that Zuma underwent a routine semi-annual medical check-up and remains in good health.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]:STATEMENT ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF H.E PRESIDENT JACOB GEDLEYIHLEKISA ZUMA pic.twitter.com/YIBVJ5MOJN

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