Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, with his medical team advising him to rest and recover.
The Presidency announced the development on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying Ramaphosa had been booked off from public engagements because of ill health. It did not disclose the nature or severity of his condition.
Ramaphosa Advised to Rest and Recover
According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the BRICS summit in India and has since been advised by his medical team to take time to rest and recover.
The president will therefore not participate in his scheduled public engagements during the period of his recovery.
The Presidency said ministers would represent him at scheduled engagements where possible, ensuring that government activities continue while the president takes time away from public duties.
No further medical information was provided by the Presidency, and there was no official indication of how long Ramaphosa would remain away from public engagements.
President Had Just Returned From Major BRICS Summit
Ramaphosa had travelled to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India from September 12 to 13, 2026.
The South African government said ahead of the summit that Ramaphosa was expected to participate in discussions covering trade and investment, financial and institutional cooperation, global governance and reform of international institutions.
The summit brought together leaders from BRICS member states and partner countries under India’s chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security.”
During the summit, Ramaphosa participated in discussions on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism.
He also addressed issues surrounding global economic cooperation, sustainable development, climate change, technological advancement and inclusive growth.
Ramaphosa’s Activities in India
The South African president had a full diplomatic and economic programme during his visit.
On September 11, he participated in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue, where discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and translating business initiatives into practical opportunities for trade, investment and development.
He subsequently participated in the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable and BRICS leaders’ sessions.
On September 13, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the summit. According to India’s Press Information Bureau, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed their strategic partnership and several international issues.
No Details Given About His Condition
The announcement from the Presidency provides no diagnosis or additional medical details about Ramaphosa’s condition.
This means that reports or speculation about the specific nature or seriousness of his illness cannot be treated as confirmed unless supported by an official statement or another authoritative source.
Reuters also reported that no additional details about the nature or severity of the president’s illness had been provided.
The development therefore currently concerns a temporary withdrawal from public engagements rather than an announcement of a change in presidential leadership.
Government Activities to Continue
The Presidency’s decision to have ministers represent Ramaphosa at scheduled engagements indicates that routine government activities are expected to continue during his period of recovery.
The announcement did not state that the president had transferred his constitutional responsibilities or that Deputy President Paul Mashatile had assumed the presidency.
Instead, the immediate arrangement concerns Ramaphosa’s absence from public engagements while he follows medical advice to rest.
Why the Development Matters
Ramaphosa’s temporary withdrawal comes at a significant point in South Africa’s international and domestic agenda.
His participation at the BRICS Summit placed South Africa at the centre of discussions involving global economic cooperation, trade, investment, multilateral institutions and the changing international order.
The president had also been engaged in domestic government programmes immediately before travelling to India. The Presidency’s records show that his recent official programme included engagements relating to national issues and the African Green Hydrogen Summit.
His temporary absence means ministers are expected to represent him at scheduled engagements while he recovers.
For now, however, the Presidency has provided no indication that his temporary withdrawal will affect the broader functioning of the South African government.
What Happens Next
The immediate next step is for Ramaphosa to rest and recover under the advice of his medical team.
Ministers are expected to represent him at official engagements where necessary.
Any further information about his health, including when he will resume public duties, will depend on subsequent communication from the South African Presidency.
Until then, the confirmed information is that Ramaphosa has been temporarily booked off from public engagements following his return from India and has been advised to rest and recover.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
- South African Government
- Reuters
- Punch
- India Press Information Bureau
- Eyewitness News
