President Cyril Ramaphosa has been forced to withdraw from Thursday’s high-level meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Union Buildings in Pretoria after contracting flu – the second such health setback in recent months.
The Presidency confirmed late Wednesday that Ramaphosa is under medical care but emphasized his condition is not serious. “The President is recovering from mild flu symptoms,” spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated. “Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead proceedings in his stead.”
Zelensky’s working visit forms part of Ukraine’s diplomatic push to secure Global South support as the war with Russia continues. The engagement held particular significance for South Africa, which has maintained a non-aligned stance while facing criticism over its Russia relations. Planned discussions included bilateral cooperation, energy security and potential peace mediation frameworks.
International relations experts expressed disappointment at the timing. “This was a crucial moment for South Africa to articulate its foreign policy vision,” said Dr. Naledi Mokoena. “While health comes first, the President’s absence inevitably alters the meeting’s dynamics.”
The Presidency assured that all scheduled events – including closed-door talks and a joint media briefing – would proceed with Mashatile assuming host duties. However, the substitution raises fresh questions about Ramaphosa’s workload and health management, coming just months after a similar flu-related withdrawal from official duties.
Government sources stressed the handover was seamless, with Mashatile having been briefed on all agenda items. The Deputy President recently represented South Africa at the G7 summit in Italy, building his international profile.
Neither the Presidency nor Ukrainian officials have indicated plans to reschedule the Ramaphosa-Zelensky meeting. The development comes as South Africa prepares to assume the BRICS presidency in 2025, with expectations growing for more robust diplomatic engagement.
Medical experts consulted by News24 suggested recurring flu episodes could indicate stress or immune system vulnerability, though they emphasized only the President’s physicians could properly assess his condition. The Presidency has not specified Ramaphosa’s return date, only confirming he continues to monitor state affairs remotely.
