Keith Khoza, acting spokesperson for Deputy President Paul Mashatile, has assured South Africans that the leader is well.
Mashatile was rushed to hospital on Saturday afternoon after fainting on stage, the Presidency said.
“While delivering his keynote address, the deputy president felt lightheaded from the heat and was attended to by his medical team,” Khoza said.
“We can confirm that the deputy president has received the necessary medical attention and is well.”
Mashatile collapsed while attending the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations held at Valoyi Cultural Village, Greater Tzaneen, Mopani District, in Limpopo.
Earlier, ‘SABC News’ reported that Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said Mashatile is fine after the collapse.
Mashatile was addressing the day in his capacity as chairperson of the Presidential Task Team and was speaking about about Traditional and Khoisan leaders.
The public should not be alarmed by the situation, Ramathuba said.
The SABC reported that Ramathuba suspected it was heat exhaustion that could have led to the collapse.
She did not reveal where Mashatile was taken for treatment after the collapse, according to the report.
He was taken off the podium by security officers and emergency officials, the public broadcaster reported.
On Friday, speaking at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture, Mashatile said he was not feeling well.
“He attended the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus, and he mentioned he had a runny stomach. He said he suspected that something he ate in Cape Town was the reason. At around 12pm, he said he would go and consult a doctor. He was very weak,” said a source very close to Mashatile.
The collapse left people concerned about Mashatile’s wellbeing.
Some people took to social media, praising his security detail for speedily responding to the situation. Some netizens wished him well while others mocked him.
“DP Paul Mashatile has an impressive security detail with him. Speedy recovery. Must be. Been a busy week for him. Man even tired of seeing Matamela again and again, this week,” wrote Mr Tshweu on his X page.
“Paul Mashatile, I think you should take a break, sir,” wrote Humbu.
“CIC Julius Malema once told us that ANC leaders are sick because they are old. Today Paul Mashatile collapsed and is recovering! He must just resign coz he will get his salary for life ! No need to die on duty when u are obviously sick. We need young leaders,” wrote The Oracle.
“On Friday Paul Mashatile said he was sick. Felt like he had food poisoning. On Saturday he collapsed while addressing the crowd,” wrote Bra Hloni.
“Paul Mashatile’s last words before collapsing were ”to end poverty by 2030“. May more of them collapse for the lies they tell!,” wrote Ipelengsworld.
The Star
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