South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks after visiting Nigeria.
On December 1, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed his South African counterpart to Nigeria for the 10th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.
The visit occurred on the same day that Nigeria confirmed three cases of the Omicron COVID variant, which is currently causing ripples around the world.
“Despite the scare generated by the new COVID-19 variant, we have been able to hold successful meetings while observing strict COVID-19 protocols, through fraternal cooperation and understanding,” Buhari said at the end of the meeting.
Ramaphosa’s trip to West Africa ended five days ago, according to a statement issued by the South African presidency.
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According to the statement, the president and all those who accompanied him were COVID-free during the trips and even after they returned to South Africa.
“After receiving negative test results, the president and the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.” “The president also tested negative upon his return to Johannesburg on December 8,” according to the statement.
Despite being fully vaccinated, South Africa’s president reportedly became ill after attending a memorial service in Cape Town for former deputy president F W de Klerk.
He is said to have had mild COVID symptoms and is being treated.
Ramaphosa has delegated all responsibilities for the next week to Deputy President David Mabuza, who will remain in self-isolation in Cape Town.
