President Ramaphosa tests positive for Covid-19

In a statement issued on Sunday night, December 12, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild Covid-19 symptoms after testing positive on the same day.

President @CyrilRamaphosa tests positive for COVID-19 https://t.co/GxunjqSePr

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 12, 2021

“The President started feeling unwell after leaving the state memorial service of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town. The President is being monitored by the military health service of the South African National Defence Force,” said Gungubele.

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.

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 hospitalisation.

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 12, 2021

Gungubele said during Ramaphosa’s recent visit to four West African states, the President and the South African delegation were tested for Covid-19 in all countries.

“The President and the delegation returned to SA from the Republic of Senegal on December 8, after obtaining negative test results. He also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on December 8.

“The funeral proceedings in Cape Town were undertaken in compliance with health regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing,” said Gungubele.