Deputy President Paul Mashatile has broken his silence on his recent health scare, assuring South Africans that he is recovering well after undergoing a minor medical procedure and is regaining strength each day.
In a personal message issued on Tuesday, Mashatile sought to calm speculation about his health that has swirled for weeks, after his absence from key Cabinet and ANC events.
“Fellow South Africans, as many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President, 64, did not disclose the nature of the procedure, but stressed that he remains on medical advice to continue resting until cleared by his doctors.
“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” he said.
Mashatile’s statement is his first direct communication with the public since news of his hospitalisation emerged earlier this month.
The Presidency had previously only confirmed that he had taken sick leave, without providing detail, prompting intense speculation about the seriousness of his condition and his ability to continue as Deputy President.
Mashatil chairs critical Cabinet committees, leads government’s response to service delivery hotspots, and remains a central figure in ANC succession politics ahead of the party’s 2027 national conference.
In his message, Mashatile moved to thank those who have supported him and to reassure the nation that he remains committed to his duties.
“I wish to thank my family, the medical team who continue to care for me, my team in the office, my colleagues in government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support. Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength,” he said.
“Let us continue working together for the progress of our country. I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment.”
The Presidency has said that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been briefed on Mashatile’s progress and that delegated responsibilities – including oversight of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery and the South Africa-China relations portfolio – will continue to be managed by his office in coordination with other departments.
Mashatile’s health has been under scrutiny before. In 2023, he collapsed during an address in Limpopo and was rushed to hospital, an incident his office later attributed to dehydration.
Since then, questions about his fitness have occasionally resurfaced on social media, often amplified by political opponents.