Health speculation swirls as Presidency confirms Mashatile is recovering from surgery

Pretoria – Deputy President Paul Mashatile is recovering well after undergoing a minor surgical procedure and remains involved in government business remotely, the Presidency said, as it moved to dispel speculation surrounding his health and prolonged absence from public engagements.

The Presidency issued the clarification on Sunday following an article by Sunday World concerning Mashatile’s health.

The deputy president has not been seen at public engagements since mid-July, with his last reported public appearance being on Mandela Day in KwaZulu-Natal, where he launched a water services project.

According to the Presidency, Mashatile became unwell while at home in Johannesburg and, under the supervision of his medical team, sought medical attention.

“He was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest,” the Office of the Deputy President said in a statement.

Parliamentary proceedings

Despite his recovery, Mashatile has continued to participate in official business through virtual platforms. The Presidency said he had joined parliamentary proceedings remotely and remained in contact with his office.

“The Deputy President is recovering well and remains in contact with his office. His programme and official responsibilities continue to be managed appropriately during his recovery,” the statement said.

“The Deputy President joined Parliament and has been participating in other crucial meetings related to his work on virtual platforms.”

The Presidency said it would not provide further details about Mashatile’s condition, citing his right to medical privacy, while rejecting unverified reports about his health.

“The Office respects the Deputy President’s right to medical privacy and will therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims,” it said.

Speculation

It also urged the public and media to rely on information from official channels rather than anonymous sources.

“We urge members of the public and media to rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources,” the statement said.

Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, said the deputy president appreciated the messages of support he had received and would return to his full programme of engagements once cleared by his medical team.

“The Deputy President appreciates the messages of support and well wishes he has received and looks forward to resuming his full programme of official engagements when advised by his medical team,” the Presidency said.

Mashatile’s absence comes as another senior Cabinet member, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, is also on sick leave. Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has been appointed to act in his place until the end of September.