Paul Mashatile returns to work after recovery from surgery

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has returned to his official duties after recovering from an undisclosed operation in August, ending weeks away from the public spotlight while he received medical attention.

His office confirmed that he resumed work at the beginning of the week, following his recovery.

Mashatile had temporarily delegated his responsibilities to other government members after falling ill at his home in Johannesburg. His office subsequently confirmed that he required medical assistance following the incident.

The deputy president has now thanked South Africans and other stakeholders who sent messages of support during his recovery.

He said the thoughts, prayers and calls he received had made a positive contribution to his recovery journey.

Busy schedule awaits the deputy president

Mashatile is expected to return to a full programme of government and political engagements over the coming days.

His spokesperson, Keith Khoza, said the deputy president would chair cabinet committees, attend the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement and engage with interfaith communities.

He is also scheduled to respond to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and resume his political programme.

His return comes as government continues its work on economic policy and other national priorities, with the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement among the key engagements on his upcoming schedule.

Mashatile’s office has not disclosed further details about the operation he underwent in August.

Jacob Zuma’s health also in the spotlight

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has confirmed that its president, former president Jacob Zuma, is in good health following a routine medical check-up.

Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said Zuma completed the examination on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

According to Mahlangu, Zuma undergoes a full routine check-up twice a year and is in good spirits. He added that the party’s campaign programme would continue as planned.

The spokesperson did not provide further details about the examination or address reports surrounding Zuma’s arrival at hospital.

Zuma’s health has attracted public attention in previous years. In 2023, he travelled to Moscow, Russia, for treatment of an undisclosed illness.

For now, both developments come as South Africa’s senior political figures continue their respective official and political programmes.

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Source: The Citizen