President Ramaphosa Sidelined by Mysterious Eye Infection
President Cyril Ramaphosa missed Wednesday’s cabinet meeting due to an eye infection from which he is currently recovering.
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Minister Ntshavheni Confirms Ramaphosa Eye Infection
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed that while Ramaphosa is unwell, he is on the mend after receiving treatment from his doctors. During his recovery, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is serving as the acting president.
Speaking at a media briefing following the cabinet meeting on Thursday, held at the GCIS’s Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre in Hatfield, Pretoria, Ntshavheni provided an update on Ramaphosa’s health.
“He is recovering from the eye infection. His doctors attended to him. The president did not attend [the] cabinet [meeting]. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been acting president while the president receives treatment and recovers from his eye infection,” said Ntshavheni.
Due to his condition, Ramaphosa has been delegating his responsibilities. Mashatile and other ministers have been stepping in to cover his scheduled engagements for the week.
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Ramaphosa Delegates Key Responsibilities
On Tuesday, Ramaphosa assigned Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane to deliver a tribute on his behalf to outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at a farewell dinner held at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. Ramaphosa had initially planned to attend but canceled due to the eye infection.
He also delegated Mashatile to oversee the signing of the second presidential health compact, which took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday.
It remains unclear whether Ramaphosa will be able to attend the presidential imbizo at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni on Friday.