News24 | Paul Mashatile assures SA he’s ‘regaining strength each day’ after minor procedure

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured the nation that he is recovering well after undergoing a minor medical procedure.

Storm Simpson/News24

• Deputy President Paul Mashatile is recovering well after a minor medical procedure and is regaining strength daily, he has said in a statement.
• Mashatile has been absent from public engagements since July, missing key ANC events and Cabinet meetings, sparking speculation on the state of his health.
• In 2024, Mashatile collapsed during a keynote address – an incident which was later attributed to food poisoning and exhaustion.
• For more political news, visit News24.com.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured South Africans that his recovery is progressing well and that he is regaining strength every day.

Mashatile, who was last seen in public in July, issued a statement on Tuesday amid reports about the state of his health.

He confirmed that he recently underwent a minor medical procedure.

“I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day. On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise, while work and delegated responsibilities continue... in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business, and other sectors,” he said.

The deputy president also expressed gratitude to his family and medical team.

He added:

My team in the office, my colleagues in government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President [Cyril] Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support, your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength.

“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,” he said.

Earlier this month, News24 reported that Mashatile had taken leave from public engagements since Mandela Day, which is held on 18 July.

He has notably missed significant ANC events, including the near-announcement of mayoral candidates, the party’s manifesto launch in Diepsloot, as well as national working committee (NWC) meetings.

The deputy president has also not attended Cabinet meetings.

READ | Mashatile unseen since July as whispers of serious illness mount, despite assurances

Three weeks ago, Mashatile attended Parliament’s sitting virtually for Thoko Didiza’s motion of no confidence.

This is not the first time the deputy president’s health has come under scrutiny.

In 2024, Mashatile collapsed while delivering the keynote address at the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations at the Valoyi Cultural Village near Tzaneen, Limpopo.

Initially, his acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza, denied that he had fainted.

Later, however, Khoza described the incident as a “slight disturbance”, saying that Mashatile felt drained of energy.

A day earlier, when he spoke at the Tshwane University of Technology, Mashatile told students he had suffered food poisoning, felt unwell and had almost missed the engagement altogether.