JOHANNESBURG – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force after testing positive for Covid19 on Sunday.
A statement by minister in the presidency, Mondli Gungubele says the President started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier on Sunday, but he has mild COVID-19 symptoms.
“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.” says the statement
The presidency has ruled out the possibility that Ramaphosa was infected on his recent international trips.
“On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 in all countries.”
“The President and the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal on Wednesday, 8 December 2021, after obtaining negative test results. The President also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on 8 December.”
Ramaphosa’s office says all Covid19 protocols were complied with at the memorial service but warned all those who came in contact with him to take the necessary precautions.
“People who have had contact with the President today (Sunday) are advised to watch for symptoms or to have themselves tested.”
President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure.
