Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to attend the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement later this month as he resumes his official duties following his recovery, nearly two years after his dramatic collapse while addressing a public gathering in Limpopo.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to deliver the statement to the National Assembly on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at 14:00 in Parliament’s Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town.
The anticipated engagement comes after Mashatile spent almost two months on medical leave following a minor surgical procedure, before returning to work at the beginning of this week, according to the Presidency.
As previously reported by African Times, Mashatile’s recovery attracted public attention, particularly after his office indicated that doctors had advised him to continue resting while he regained his strength.
His return to official duties marks a significant development as he prepares to resume a demanding programme of government and parliamentary engagements.
Previous collapse in Limpopo
Mashatile’s latest return to work also brings renewed attention to the September 2024 incident in which he collapsed while delivering an address at the N’wamitwa Day celebrations in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
The incident occurred on 14 September 2024, when the Deputy President was addressing the gathering and suddenly became unwell, prompting security officials to assist him off the stage for medical assessment.
His spokesperson, Keith Khoza, subsequently attributed the collapse to dehydration caused by extreme heat.
Limpopo officials also appealed for calm following the incident.
The Presidency confirmed the following day that Mashatile was in good health, in high spirits and resting at home after returning from Limpopo.
Nearly two years later, his latest period of recovery followed a separate health episode that led to a minor surgical procedure.
His office has not publicly disclosed the specific condition that necessitated the procedure, citing the need to respect his medical privacy.
The Presidency announced on Thursday, 8 October, that Mashatile had resumed his duties after making what it described as a full recovery.
Godongwana’s budget statement in focus
Mashatile’s planned attendance at the mid-term budget presentation comes as the government prepares to outline its assessment of South Africa’s economic outlook and fiscal position.
Godongwana’s statement is expected to provide updated revenue and expenditure projections and set out the government’s approach to managing competing spending priorities amid pressure on public finances.
The Finance Minister is also scheduled to table the Adjustments Appropriation Bill, which deals with proposed changes to government spending during the financial year.
The presentation will give Parliament an opportunity to scrutinise the government’s revised fiscal plans and assess their implications for public services and departmental budgets.
According to the Presidency, Mashatile’s programme following his return also includes chairing Cabinet committees, engaging with interfaith communities, responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and resuming his political programme.
Deputy President thanks South Africans
In announcing his return, Mashatile thanked South Africans and other stakeholders who sent messages of support during his recovery.
“Your thoughts, prayers and calls have been greatly appreciated,” he said, adding that the messages had made a positive impact on his recovery journey.
