Overview
- The Office of the Deputy President confirmed on Thursday that Mashatile resumed full duties earlier this week after nearly two months away on medical leave.
- He fell ill at his Johannesburg home in early August, underwent a minor surgical procedure, was discharged and spent weeks recovering at home under medical supervision.
- The Presidency says Mashatile will chair Cabinet committees, attend the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, answer questions in the National Council of Provinces and resume his political programme.
- Officials have not released further medical details about his condition or treatment, and Mashatile personally thanked South Africans for their messages, calls and prayers during his recovery.
- His return removes operational uncertainty for the executive and Parliament with less than a month until the November 4 local government elections and could shape short-term political and parliamentary scheduling.