Deputy President Paul Mashatile is recovering well after undergoing a minor surgical procedure, his office has confirmed.
The update follows reports and speculation over the weekend about Mashatile’s health and his absence from several public engagements.
Keith Khoza, Mashatile’s acting spokesperson, said the Deputy President became unwell while at his home in Johannesburg and sought medical attention under the supervision of his medical team.
“He was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest.”
Khoza said Mashatile remains in contact with his office while recovering.
“The Deputy President is recovering well and remains in contact with his office.”
Mashatile Continues Work During Recovery
Although Mashatile has stepped back from some public engagements, his office said he has continued carrying out aspects of his official responsibilities remotely.
“The Deputy President joined Parliament and has been participating in other crucial meetings related to his work on virtual platforms.”
Mashatile is also the deputy president of the ANC, which is the leading party in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
His official programme is being managed by his office while he recuperates and receives further medical care.
Office Rejects Health Speculation
The Deputy President’s health became the subject of speculation after Sunday World reported claims from unnamed sources alleging that he had been treated in an intensive care unit and may have been poisoned.
Mashatile’s office has not confirmed either claim.
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Khoza said no further information would be provided about the nature of Mashatile’s condition or the procedure he underwent, citing his right to medical privacy.
“The Office respects the Deputy President’s right to medical privacy and will therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims.”
The office also urged the public and media to rely on official updates.
“We urge members of the public and media to rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources.”
Khoza added that Mashatile was grateful for the messages of support he had received and would return to his full programme when cleared by his medical team.
Mashatile Previously Hospitalised After Fainting
The latest health update follows another medical incident involving Mashatile in September 2024.
The Deputy President was taken to hospital after becoming lightheaded and fainting while delivering a keynote address at the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations at Valoyi Cultural Village in Greater Tzaneen, Limpopo.
At the time, Khoza said Mashatile had become lightheaded because of the heat and was attended to by his medical team.
“We can confirm that the Deputy President has received the necessary medical attention and is well.”
Then-Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba also sought to reassure the public following the incident.
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According to SABC News, Ramathuba said Mashatile was fine and suggested that heat exhaustion may have contributed to his collapse.
Security personnel and emergency officials helped Mashatile from the podium, although details of where he was taken for treatment were not immediately disclosed.
