By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Office of the Deputy President says Paul Mashatile is recovering well after undergoing a minor surgical procedure amid unverified rumors about his health status.
This follows reports about Mashatile’s health and his absence from public engagements.
Mashatile fell ill at his Johannesburg home in August 2026.
He was discharged from the hospital and is resting at home while performing duties remotely and attending meetings virtually.
Mashatile, who is also a senior leader of the Africa National Congress (ANC), has been absent from public engagements during his recovery.
Mashatile’s spokesperson Keith Khoza said, “He was admitted for a minor surgical procedure, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest.”
“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,” Khoza said.
Khoza added that Mashatile had joined Parliament and participated in other important meetings related to his responsibilities through virtual platforms.
His office has not provided further details about the nature of his medical condition or the procedure, citing his right to medical privacy.
Khoza said the Office of the Deputy President respects Mashatile’s right to medical privacy and would therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims about his health.
“We urge members of the public and media to rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources,” Khoza said.
As Deputy President of South Africa, he has been delegated responsibilities as follows:
– Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
– Leading Government effort to fast-track land reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support.
– Implement Rapid Response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.
– Assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.
– Leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS.
– Special Envoy on South Sudan and leading peace missions on the continent as required.
– Leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.
– Promoting Social Cohesion Initiatives with a particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans.