INKOMU - SHIPOKOSA IS BACK: MASHATILE RESUMES DUTY AFTER FULL RECOVERY, ANC WELCOMES RETURN OF ITS WORKHORSE
By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief
The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.
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JOHANNESBURG -* Deputy President Paul Mashatile is back at work.
After weeks of speculation and concern, The Presidency confirmed yesterday that Deputy President Shipokosa has officially resumed work since the beginning of the week, following his full recovery from a minor surgical procedure.
The news was met with relief and celebration across the African National Congress, which welcomed the return of one of its most hardworking and humble leaders.
Mashatile himself broke the news with a single, powerful word that every South African understands: "Inkomu" - Thank you - accompanied by prayer hands and the South African flag. It is the humility that defines the man.
On 15 September, when the nation was worried, Mashatile reassured the country from his home in Johannesburg: "My recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day."
He thanked South Africans for their prayers, his family, his medical team, his team in the Office of the Deputy President, his colleagues in government and in the ANC, and President Cyril Ramaphosa for their support.
"Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength," he said.
Even while on medical leave on doctor's advice, Mashatile did not stop serving. His office confirmed he remained in contact and continued to manage his programme appropriately, joining Parliament and participating in crucial meetings on virtual platforms. That is the Shipokosa work ethic - service does not stop because the body needs rest.
Yesterday's image from the NCOP podium says it all: Navy blue suit, pink tie, composed, focused, reading his papers with both hands on the podium. Not a man returning for sympathy. A man returning to work. The post had already drawn 29.4K views, 425 likes and hundreds of well wishes within hours.
The Presidency said: "Deputy President Shipokosa @PMashatile has officially resumed work since the beginning of the week, following his full recovery. Over the coming days, the Deputy President..."
The ANC has welcomed him back warmly. For a movement that needs unity, experience and calm leadership ahead of a difficult year, Mashatile's return is more than personal - it is political stability.
At 64, Mashatile remains one of the most experienced leaders in government, a former Gauteng Premier who knows both the street and the state, a leader who survived the trenches of the struggle and the hard yards of administration. His calm, resilient recovery - without drama, without leaking medical details, asking only that the public rely on official channels and respect medical privacy - shows leadership even in illness.
He had promised: "I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment."
This week, he kept that promise. From regaining strength each day at home, to resuming full duties at the Union Buildings and Parliament - Shipokosa is back.
The Azanian joins the ANC, the Government and all South Africans in welcoming Deputy President Paul Mashatile back. Inkomu for your service. We wish you continued strength.
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