Deputy president Paul Mashatile declared ‘in good health’

The Presidency has confirmed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in good health after feeling unwell at an event in Limpopo on Saturday.

Paul Mashatile felt lightheaded

The Deputy President attended the N’wamitwa Day celebrations at the Valoyi Cultural Village in Tzaneen.

While delivering his keynote address, the deputy president felt lightheaded from the heat and was attended to by his medical team. 

Following the incident, the presidency issued a statement on Saturday confirming that he had received the necessary medical attention and was well.

On Sunday his office issued a further update, saying the Mashatile was in good health.

“Following the unfortunate incident yesterday, the Office of the Deputy President confirms that Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is in good health.

“This is consistent with the doctor’s report yesterday. He is in high spirits and is resting at home following his travel back to his home yesterday,” said his office.

The presidency thanked the team that supports the deputy president from the Presidential Protection Service and the Presidential Medical Unit for their speedy response in attending to the deputy president and ensuring that he is in good health.

“The Deputy President also thanks all South Africans for their support and prayers.” 

N’waMitwa Day unites vital aspects of democratic society

Meanwhile, in his prepared speech, Deputy President Mashatile said the 16th anniversary of N’waMitwa Day united vital aspects of the democratic society and demonstrated the country’s progress in advancing the constitutional values of gender equality and non-sexism.

He said Her Royal Highness Hosi Dr N’waMitwa II’s accession to the throne symbolised resilience and progress in the country’s ongoing journey to realise women’s full potential in leadership roles.

“Her path inspires all, particularly the millions of South African women whose voices and contributions are essential in shaping our nation’s future. We are proud that you have upended patriarchy by claiming your rightful place on the Valoyi royal throne. 

“You have demonstrated to women that their role extends beyond the norm, and they can assume leadership positions in society, performing equally or better than men. What remains is that we must fight patriarchy and stand together as government and traditional leaders to root out the persistent inequalities and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which continue to erode social cohesion in South Africa.”