President Ramaphosa Thanks South Africans and Implores: “Don’t Let Your Guard Down”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to get vaccinated to avoid severe illness or death from Covid-19, as he recovers from the viral infection.

According to Reuters, his office said on Monday that the President is “still showing mild symptoms and has had to delay a booster vaccine he was due to receive this week”.

Well wishes have poured in for Rampahosa since it was announced on Sunday evening that the South African President had tested positive for Covid-19, shortly after delivering the eulogy at former President FW de Klerk’s state memorial (where he was seen coughing).

Instead of issuing his usual weekly newsletter on Monday morning, the President instead tweeted: “Thank you, fellow South Africans, for your good wishes following my COVID-19 positive result.

“As I recover, my message of the week is: don’t let your guard down. Do everything you can and need to, to stay safe, beginning with vaccination.

“Vaccines dramatically reduce the chances of severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

“Let’s all protect ourselves. Vaccination is free, easy and it works.”

The Presidency said that with the President booked off for the week, there wouldn’t be a weekly message issued today. The President, who is fully vaccinated (he received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination in February), is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.

People who had contact with the President yesterday are advised to watch for symptoms or to have themselves tested.

I knew it….that cough wasn't normal…President Ramaphosa
He’ll come back claiming that he was saved by the vaccine & forcing mandatory vaccine to be implemented with immediate effect. #misssouthafrica David Mabuza Ghana #MissUniverse2021 De Klerk #HowToRuinChristmas2 pic.twitter.com/bq692gCFEJ

— Zulu Secretary of Domestic Affairs (@ZuluAffairs) December 13, 2021