The reason why Gwede Mantashe stepped in as Acting President on Freedom Day is because South Africa’s head of state Cyril Ramaphosa is unwell.
The presidency announced on Sunday that Gwede Mantashe would address the nation and deliver the speech to commemorate Freedom Day instead of Ramaphosa.
While this left some South Africa wondering why Mantashe had to stand in as Acting President when we have a Deputy President, others wanted to know WHY Ramaphosa took a leave of absence on one of the most importance days for South Africa and its people.
Later in the day, Mantashe – on behalf of Ramaphosa – spoke in his capacity as Acting President to commemorate Freedom Day celebrations in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
And it was at this gathering at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium, where Mantashe revealed Ramaphosa’s absence is due to illness.
“The President is not well,” Mantashe said. “He can’t speak, he is down with flu.”
“I know that it is confidential, a discussion between a patient and a doctor, but the President is sick.”
WATCH: WHY MANTASHE SPOKE ON BEHALF OF RAMAPHOSA
SHOULD PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE HAVE STOOD IN AS HEAD OF STATE?
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