South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild Covid-19 symptoms after testing positive on Sunday, the office of the presidency said in a statement.
He has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.
Ramaphosa "started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honor of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier today," the presidency statement said.
He is, however "in good spirits" and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force.
"President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization," the statement said.
In a tweet Monday, Ramaphosa thanked South Africans for their good wishes and warned citizens to remain vigilant in the fight against the virus.
"As I recover, my message of the week is: don't let your guard down. Do everything you can and need to, to stay safe, beginning with vaccination," he said. "Vaccines dramatically reduce the chances of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Let's all protect ourselves. Vaccination is free, easy and it works."
Vaccines dramatically reduce the chances of severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
— Cyril Ramaphosa
Let’s all protect ourselves. Vaccination is free, easy and it works.(@CyrilRamaphosa) December 13, 2021
South Africa, where scientists identified the new Omicron variant, has recently entered its fourth wave of the pandemic. Just over 25% of the country has been fully vaccinated, with an additional 5% partially vaccinated, according to CNN's global vaccine tracker.
Ramaphosa, who is fully vaccinated, recently returned from a trip in West Africa. He tested negative for Covid-19 upon his return to Johannesburg on December 8, according to his office.
The President is now in self-isolation in Cape Town.
Latest Stories
-
Position Paper: There should be an enhanced harmonious relationship between BoG and Finance Ministry
9 minutes -
Anlo Afiadenyigba outdoors Divisional Chiefs and Queen
15 minutes -
Two injured, 6 houses burnt in attack on herdsmen at Gomoa Amenfi
18 minutes -
Family of police officer shot dead at Abease demand speedy probe
33 minutes -
DVLA CEO makes a strong case for regularisation of Goro boys’ activities
43 minutes -
ECG Missing Containers: Technology alone cannot address dishonesty issues- Col. Aboagye
1 hour -
Stay and fight the petition for your removal – MP urges Chief Justice
1 hour -
Sammy Gyamfi rebuts claims of rushed GoldBod Bill process
1 hour -
Cassona Global Imaging empowers future healthcare professionals with free practical training
2 hours -
Cedi is 7th strongest currency in Africa in quarter 1 2025
2 hours -
Ecobank remains Ghana’s top Tier-1 bank with capital of $228m
2 hours -
The MENGXIN 1 Piracy Incident: Assessing impacts, risks, and solutions in the Gulf of Guinea
2 hours -
Access, 6 other Nigerian banks ratings to be upgraded – Fitch Ratings
3 hours -
Clean Jobs Company denies engaging in illegal mining in Tano Anwia forest reserve
3 hours -
Education Minister endorses ‘Science Set’ as key to Ghana’s STEM revolution
3 hours