Gwede Mantashe Appointed Acting President While Ramaphosa and Mashatile Travel Abroad

With both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile engaged in overseas visits, Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has been appointed to temporarily lead the country.

According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Mantashe was officially designated as acting president from 18 to 22 May 2025 under Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution. This decision ensures continuity in governance while South Africa’s two top leaders are on diplomatic duties abroad.

Ramaphosa is currently in the United States on a working visit, while Mashatile is in France on a similar assignment. Both trips are centred on strengthening international relations, with trade and investment among the key focus areas.

This isn’t the first time Mantashe has served in an acting presidential role. He previously stepped in on Freedom Day last month, delivering the national address at AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo after Ramaphosa was sidelined by illness. At the time, the president extended his well wishes to South Africans as the country marked 31 years of democracy.

During the current visit to the United States, Ramaphosa is expected to hold talks with President Joe Biden. Despite global political tensions, he emphasised that the meeting would stay focused on key bilateral priorities. “We’re sticking to what matters for South Africa,” he said following an ANC event in Kimberley.

Meanwhile, Mashatile’s mission in France aims to expand ties through new trade and development initiatives. His visit builds on groundwork laid by Minister Ronald Lamola, who co-chaired the 9th Forum for Political Dialogue in Paris just days earlier. That session addressed shared concerns around international affairs and deepened bilateral cooperation.

With the country’s highest offices temporarily in international hands, Mantashe’s role is to maintain stability and ensure that domestic governance proceeds smoothly in their absence.

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: Polity.org