South Africa currently has an Acting President after President Cyril Ramaphosa designated Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe to temporarily assume the role.
He will serve in this capacity from May 18 to May 22, 2025.
The move is unusual but constitutional, as President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are out of the country on simultaneous working visits.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution, designated Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe as the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025,” an official statement from the president read in part.
SA Deputy Visits France
Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Paris, France, on the morning of Monday, 19 May 2025, where he is leading efforts to strengthen South Africa’s longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with the European nation.
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His visit aims to expand cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure development, science and innovation, education, and tourism.
He will also participate in the SA-France Investment Conference, a strategic platform to attract French investment into South Africa and deepen bilateral partnerships.
“Deputy President will address the SA‑France Investment Conference, highlighting cooperation in infrastructure, science and innovation, education and skills, tourism, and broader people‑to‑people ties. He was welcomed at the airport by South African Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa,” a statement from the government of south Africa read in part.
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Where is South Africa President?
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa is on a separate visit to the United States, creating a rare circumstance in which both the President and Deputy President are abroad at the same time.
Earlier on May 17, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed members of the media before departing for his working visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump.
The President said that the primary purpose of his visit is to strengthen trade and bilateral relations between the two nations.
Moreover, he noted that the discussions would focus on deepening economic ties, enhancing cooperation, and finding mutually beneficial opportunities.
In response to recent narratives circulating in some political circles, President Ramaphosa rejected claims of genocide in South Africa, adding that he was not concerned about a hostile reception from the US administration.
“There is no genocide in South Africa. I am not worried about anything. We are going there to discuss trade and our bilateral relations. It’s country to country. We relate to each other and trade with each other,” the South African President said.
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