South African President tests Covid positive

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild Covid-19 symptoms after testing positive for the virus, an official statement said on Monday.

The President, who is fully vaccinated, started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier on Sunday, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

The President is in good spirits but is being monitored by the Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force, it added.

Ramaphosa is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.

The President also just wrapped up his visit from four West African states including Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.

The Presidency said he and the South African delegation were tested for Covid-19 in all the countries.

Ramaphosa also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on December 8.

The President said his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure.