Deputy President Paul Mashatile has collapsed on the podium while addressing N’wamitwa Day in Tzaneen in Limpopo.
He was rushed to hospital.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says Mashatile is fine after the collapse.
Ramathuba says the public should not be alarmed by the situation.
She suspects that heat exhaustion could have led to the collapse. She however did not reveal where Mashatile was taken for treatment after the collapse.
Mashatile was addressing N’wamitwa Day in his capacity as chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoisan leaders.
He was taken off from podium by security officers and emergency officials.
This was Mashatile’s words before he collapsed, “We must collaborate and create more equitable and united South Africa towards another 30 years of democracy let us recommit to the National Development Plan and the goal of ending poverty and reducing inequality by 2030.”
N’wamitwa Day is aimed at commemorating the inauguration of Her Royal Highness Hosi Dr N’wamitwa II, which took place on 29 August 2008 as a pioneer woman traditional leader among the Vatsonga people.
Meanwhile, the South African presidency has assured the public that Paul Mashatile is well.
“While delivering his keynote address, Mashatile felt lightheaded from the heat and was attended to by his medical team,” the statement further elaborates.