Mashatile back at work and straight into budget week
The Deputy President has resumed his programme after a full recovery, with Cabinet committees, the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement and NCOP oral questions on his schedule.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile returned to official duties at the start of this week after recovering fully, his office has confirmed.
The Office of the Deputy President thanked South Africans and other stakeholders for the messages of goodwill and support sent during his recovery. In a statement issued on Thursday, Mashatile said the thoughts, prayers and calls had been greatly appreciated and had made a positive impact on the journey towards recovery. “For that, I am most grateful,” he said.
The office also commended members of the media for their continued enquiries and communication, and for monitoring his recovery progress.
His programme over the coming days includes chairing Cabinet Committees, attending the Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement, engaging with interfaith communities and responding to Oral Questions in the National Council of Provinces. He will also resume his political programme.
The Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement is the Treasury’s update on the country’s fiscal position between the main February Budget and the October mini-budget cycle, and the Deputy President’s attendance places him in the room for the government’s spending and revenue decisions for the remainder of the financial year. Oral Questions in the NCOP give provincial delegates a scheduled opportunity to put questions directly to the Deputy President on the floor.
This report rests on the Office of the Deputy President’s own statement as carried by SAnews (South African Government News Agency). It contains no detail on the nature or duration of the illness, and none is asserted here. No dates beyond the start of the week have been given for the individual engagements listed.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), Deputy President Mashatile resumes official duties, https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/deputy-president-mashatile-resumes-official-duties
