Tzaneen – Deputy President Paulus Mashatile suffered a medical emergency on Saturday before he could finish his speech during the N’wamitwa Day celebrations at Valoyi Culture Village, Tzaneen, in Limpopo.
Mashatile was carried off by his bodyguards and taken away for further medical assistance.
However, the Premier of Limpopo Dr. Phophi Ramathuba said Deputy President Mashatile appeared to suffer from the effects of the warm weather.
Speaking to the SABC television news, Dr. Ramathuba said: “When he paused that’s when we got worried… we then were able to help him out of the stage.
Dismissing suggestions that the deputy president had collapsed, Dr. Ramathuba said: “I wouldn’t say he had collapsed because I didn’t see him collapsing … I was sitting right behind him… when Mrs. Mashatile said to me let’s observe him… I could see somebody who was pausing… in the middle … actually, he was concluding his speech.
“Together with his protectors, we were able to assist him…”
Dr. Ramathuba, who is a medical doctor, said: “We must reassure the people of this country the deputy president is in good spirits … he is fine we are happy.
“We have checked all his vitals… we are satisfied we happy”.
She added: “This place is very hot today, all that we can assure you as the provincial government of Limpopo the deputy president of this country is fine he is okay.”
In a terse statement, the Presidency said: “Deputy President Paul Mashatile is well after the unfortunate incident at the Nwamitwa Day Celebrations”.
The statement added: “While delivering his keynote address, the Deputy President felt lightheaded from the heat and was attended to by his medical team.
“We can confirm that the Deputy President has received the necessary medical attention and is well.”
*All still images courtesy of GCIS
