Deputy President Mashatile Takes A Break After Health Scare
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile is stepping back from public duties for the next week to recover at home.
- Mashatile had a health scare when he fainted on stage during an event in Tzaneen on September 14.
- Online critics have been vocal, questioning the necessity of the deputy president's role.
TSHWANE — Let’s be real here. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is taking some much-needed time off to rest and recuperate after a health scare earlier this month. The incident happened on September 14 when he collapsed while delivering a speech at an event in Tzaneen. Now, Mashatile is focusing on his health, which means he won’t be attending any official engagements for the next week. This includes missing a few key events, like the state funeral of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on September 19.
As you can imagine, this wasn’t just a casual decision. The deputy president’s medical team has strongly advised him to step back from his duties temporarily. It’s all about ensuring his health is back on track before diving back into the whirlwind of politics.
Mashatile Skips Gordhan's Funeral and NCOP Session
The deputy president wasn’t the only one who noticed his absence. His decision to take a break also meant he missed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plenary session, which coincided with Gordhan’s funeral. This session was important because Mashatile was supposed to provide updates on the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) plans to improve municipal performance and accelerate service delivery.
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But here’s the thing: Mashatile didn’t just disappear without notice. He reached out to NCOP Chairperson Refilwe Tsipane, requesting that the session be postponed. And guess what? Tsipane agreed. It’s a sign of respect and understanding, recognizing that Mashatile’s health is a priority right now.
According to Deputy Presidential Acting Spokesperson Keith Khoza, the medical team’s advice was clear: Mashatile needed to step back from scheduled duties for the week. “While the deputy president is in high spirits and doing well, the medical team’s advice was that he should withdraw from official duties for this week,” Khoza explained. It’s a reminder that even leaders need to prioritize their health.
“The deputy president looks forward to having the opportunity to inform the NCOP of the GNU’s efforts to improve municipal governance and service delivery, among other things,” Khoza added.
South Africans Debate the Role of the Deputy Presidency
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Social media users have been vocal about Mashatile’s break, with some questioning the necessity of the deputy presidency altogether. While some people are indifferent to the news, others have taken the opportunity to voice their opinions about the role itself.
What Are People Saying?
Twitter users, in particular, have been sharing their thoughts. For instance, @iAmSpreadlove expressed that, “We don’t even need a deputy president. It’s a ceremonial title. They do nothing except take photos.” Another user, @nordienmn, chimed in with, “The same office that denied he collapsed?” Meanwhile, @Moshe_Meso added, “I think retirement will be more effective.”
It’s clear that the deputy presidency is a topic of debate among South Africans. Some see it as a necessary role, while others believe it’s more ceremonial than practical. Regardless of personal opinions, one thing is certain: Mashatile’s health is a priority, and he’s taking the time he needs to recover fully. Let’s hope he’s back in action soon, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
