Deputy President Mashatile recovering after minor surgical procedure, office says

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is recovering well after being admitted for a minor surgical procedure and a period of observation, his acting spokesperson said, following reports about his absence from public engagements over the weekend.

Office provides update

Keith Khoza, acting spokesperson for the Deputy President, said Mashatile “was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest.”

Khoza added that “the Deputy President is recovering well and remains in contact with his office.” He said Mashatile’s programme and official responsibilities continued to be managed during his recovery.

Work while recuperating

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

Response to speculation

The office moved to counter weekend reports and speculation about Mashatile’s condition. According to the statement, some weekend reports included “unverified claims about ICU treatment and possible poisoning.”

On medical privacy, Khoza said: “The Office respects the Deputy President’s right to medical privacy and will therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims.” He urged the public and media to “rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources.”

Messages of support and a return to duties

Khoza said: “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.”

Previous incident

The statement noted a previous health incident in September 2024, when Mashatile was rushed to hospital after fainting on stage during the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations at Valoyi Cultural Village in Greater Tzaneen, Mopani District, Limpopo. At the time, his office said he “felt lightheaded from the heat and was attended to by his medical team.”