South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS summit in India, with his office citing ill health.

The 73-year-old president returned from the summit on Monday and was advised by his doctors to rest and recover, according to a statement from the presidency.

“Where possible, the president has asked the respective ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements,” his office said.

Ramaphosa’s absence comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile continues to recover from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of the country’s top leaders away from public duties.

Mashatile said on Tuesday that his recovery was progressing well and that he was regaining strength each day.

“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” he said.

The simultaneous absence of Ramaphosa and Mashatile comes as South Africa enters a busy political period ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.