South African President Ramaphosa Suspends Public Schedule Due to Poor Health

On September 16, 2026, South African President Ramaphosa issued a statement confirming reports that he felt unwell during the BRICS summit, saying he had suspended his public schedule due to poor health, that his medical team had advised rest and recovery, and that the originally planned public events would be attended on his behalf by the relevant ministers. Officials did not disclose the specific cause of the illness.