Deputy President Paul Mashatile
By Thabo Mosia
On Saturday, 14 September 2024, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile collapsed while addressing attendees at the N’wamitwa Day celebrations held at Valoyi Cultural Village in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The incident, which occurred during his keynote address, shocked the audience and prompted immediate action. Mashatile, who had been speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on matters concerning Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, was rushed to a hospital for urgent medical care.
Immediate Response and Health Updates
Limpopo Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who was present at the event, swiftly addressed concerns surrounding Mashatile’s condition. In an interview with SABC, she reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm, explaining that Mashatile’s collapse was likely due to heat exhaustion brought on by the region’s high temperatures. Ramathuba, who is also a medical doctor, stated, “The Deputy President is fine, he is with his medical team. I was with them, and there’s no need to worry” .
The heatwave gripping Limpopo on the day of the celebrations is believed to have played a major role in the incident. As temperatures soared, many guests at the event were seen struggling with the heat, and officials believe that it may have contributed to Mashatile’s collapse toward the end of his speech . Ramathuba did not disclose where Mashatile was taken for treatment, but she confirmed that he was receiving the necessary care and would likely recover soon .
The N’wamitwa Day Event and Its Significance
N’wamitwa Day is a significant cultural event for the Vatsonga people, held annually to commemorate the leadership and legacy of Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa II. The event, which Mashatile was attending at the invitation of the royal leader, marked the continuation of her reign since her inauguration on 29 August 2008. Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa II is celebrated for being a trailblazer as a female traditional leader, promoting gender equality and non-discrimination within her community .
This year’s event took place under the theme “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom.” Mashatile’s speech highlighted the role of traditional leaders in preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion. He underscored the government’s commitment to working with traditional leadership structures to address the challenges facing rural communities, especially marginalised groups .
As the Deputy President delivered his address, many in attendance praised his efforts in strengthening the relationship between the government and traditional authorities. His leadership in the Presidential Task Team on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders has been instrumental in ensuring that the voices of traditional leaders are heard at the highest levels of government.
A Focus on Rural Development and Collaboration
One of Mashatile’s primary goals in his political career has been to promote the inclusion of traditional leadership in national development discussions. In April 2024, during a dialogue with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, he reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to address rural challenges such as poverty, land access, and infrastructure development. His address at the N’wamitwa Day celebrations echoed these sentiments as he urged for continued cooperation to foster inclusive growth .
The Deputy President’s presence at the event, alongside other senior officials such as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Limpopo’s MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs Baiskopo Makumu, was a demonstration of the government’s ongoing commitment to traditional leadership in South Africa.
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