South Africa’s President Taken Ill After BRICS Summit in India

The presidency has not disclosed the nature or severity of Ramaphosa’s illness, saying doctors advised him to recover.

September 17, 2026 at 1:19 AM
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Key Points

  • Ramaphosa withdrew from public engagements over ill health.
  • The South African President’s doctors advised him to rest and recover.
  • He returned from India on Monday after attended BRICS summit in New Delhi.

PRETORIA: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has fallen ill after returning from the BRICS summit in India and withdrawn from public engagements, his office said on Wednesday, adding that his medical team had advised him to rest and recover.

The presidency did not disclose the nature or severity of Ramaphosa’s illness. Reuters reported that no further details about his condition had been provided.

Ramaphosa, 73, returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which was held on September 12 and 13 under India’s chairship.

BRICS summit

Ramaphosa’s absence follows an intensive diplomatic programme in New Delhi, where he represented South Africa at the BRICS summit.

During the summit, he participated in discussions on inclusive global governance, multilateralism and inclusive economic growth.

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