By: Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive for the infection.
Ramaphosa, who recently returned from a visit to Western Africa, is said to have started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service of the last Apatheird President FW de Klerk, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said Ramaphosa was in good spirits but was being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.
“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week. On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 in all countries,” he said.
On Wednesday, the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal, having tested negative for the virus. Gungubele maintained that the proceedings of the memorial service were conducted with all protocols observed.
Gungubele encouraged South Africans to get vaccinated, saying Ramaphosa’s case should serve as a caution for those who have not yet been vaccinated.
“President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. People who have had contact with the President are advised to watch for symptoms or to have themselves tested,” Gungubele said.
