By Dan Mughogho — September 17, 2026
Questions about Cyril Ramaphosa’s health and unverified claims about Chinese President Xi Jinping have emerged days after the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped back from public duties after returning from the summit because of ill health, according to his office.
Ramaphosa, 73, returned from New Delhi on Monday and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover. His absence has raised attention because Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also recovering from a minor medical procedure.
Cyril Ramaphosa Steps Back Due to Ill Health
Ramaphosa’s office said on Wednesday that the president would temporarily reduce his public engagements while he follows medical advice.
Where possible, ministers have been asked to represent him at scheduled events during his recovery.
The South African president attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi before returning home. His office has not provided further details about the nature of his illness.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also away from some public duties as he continues recovering from a minor medical procedure.
Mashatile said his recovery was progressing well and that he was “regaining strength each day.” He added that he would continue resting on his doctors’ advice.
Unverified Claims About Xi Jinping’s Health
Meanwhile, unverified claims about Xi Jinping’s health have circulated online following the Chinese president’s visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit.
Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party, alleged in a post on X that Xi fainted during the summit and was flown back to China for emergency medical treatment.
Xie further claimed that Xi was taken to Beijing’s Chinese PLA General Hospital, also known as Beijing 301 Hospital, after returning on a special flight.
The post alleged that Xi had suffered a severe ischemic stroke and that doctors were assessing his condition.
However, there has been no official confirmation of these claims. Neither the Chinese government nor Indian authorities have announced that Xi fainted, suffered a stroke or was hospitalised.
The allegations remain unverified and should not be treated as confirmed information about the Chinese president’s health.
Xi Jinping Returns to Beijing After BRICS Summit
China’s government said Xi returned to Beijing on September 13 after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
He was accompanied by senior officials, including Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The BRICS Summit concluded on Sunday, with discussions focusing on inclusive global growth and the situation in the Middle East.
Further online speculation suggested that the health rumours could affect a planned late-September visit by Xi to the United States. No confirmed change to that reported travel plan was provided in the information available.
Health Questions Follow BRICS Meeting
The health-related reports involving Ramaphosa and Xi Jinping have attracted attention because both leaders attended the BRICS Summit in India.
Ramaphosa’s office has confirmed that he is resting on medical advice, while claims about Xi’s health remain unconfirmed.
Officials are expected to provide further updates if there are changes to either leader’s public schedule or official health information.
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