South Africa's Ramaphosa booked off sick after BRICS summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been booked off from public engagements on medical advice after returning from the BRICS summit in India, the Presidency announced on Wednesday, September 17, 2026. The announcement, made without disclosing the specific nature of his illness, stated that Ramaphosa was advised by his medical team to rest and recover. His planned campaign programme in eThekwini has been suspended ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. The Presidency said that where possible, ministers will represent the president at scheduled public engagements. Ramaphosa returned from the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Monday, September 15, 2026. The summit, which concluded on Sunday, September 14, focused on inclusive global growth and the Middle East. The African National Congress, Ramaphosa's political party, wished the president a speedy recovery. The party's national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, said the ANC joins South Africans in wishing President Ramaphosa strength and good health as he takes the necessary time to rest and recover.