The ministry of external affairs on Thursday debunked reports claiming that multiple world leaders had fallen sick after attending the BRICS Summit in India, calling the reports “fake.”
Ramaphosa, 73, returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday and had been advised by his doctors to rest and recover, the presidency said.
In a post on X, the ministry’s fact-checking unit cautioned against what it called “malicious” posts on social media platforms. “Fake Alert!!! 🚨🚨🚨 We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms!” it said. “Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said in a statement.
The ministry’s comments came after reports surfaced that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS Summit in India, his office said on Wednesday, citing ill health, AFP reported.
“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” Mashatile said.
