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.
Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba later took to the podium to call for calm.
A video showing the collapse was shared on social media. In it, Mashatile is seen battling to speak as he looks down at his speech. Disorientated, he takes a short break before attempting to continue.
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.
