South Africa
Well wishes pouring in for Ramaphosa after falling sick─── 09:28 Tue, 22 Sep 2020
President Cyril Ramaphosa had been set to meet with Nehawu, however, the engagement had to be postponed to Wednesday, 23 September 2020, as his office said he was ‘really sick’.
While some South Africans might have their reservations about President Cyril Ramaphosa, particularly because of his handling of corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic, it still didn’t discourage them from sending messages, wishing him a speedy recovery. Ramaphosa has reportedly fallen ill, which puts him out of action during a critical time for the country.
He had been scheduled to meet with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) on Monday, 21 September 2020, to discuss some of their demands.
Nehawu members in the healthcare sector are demanding adequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and salary increases, among other things, as they remain at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus.
However the Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said the talks would have to be postponed as Ramaphosa was not feeling well.
“The only person who can deal with these issues properly and listen to what Nehawu has to say is our president and he is available on Wednesday because today he is really sick – he is in blankets as I speak,” Mthembu said to the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“As you saw me, I spoke to the President and he spoke to the president of Nehawu. An arrangement has now been made for the President to meet with the leadership of Nehawu, this week. I am told that Wednesday is being negotiated.”
Mthembu said the president had arranged to meet with the union again on Wednesday, 23 September 2020.
Social media users were quick to react compassionately to the news.
“I’m no fan of President Ramaphosa politically but wish him a speedy & full recovery from his illness. May he be back to work soon,” said someone on Twitter.
