ANC’s Jessie Duarte recovering in hospital, placed on medical leave

The African National Congress (ANC) has wished its deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte a speedy recovery after she was admitted to a hospital on Sunday over “gastrointestinal complications.” She has since been placed on medical leave.

“The DSG was admitted to hospital on Sunday, 28 November 2021 with gastrointestinal complications requiring various investigations, an interventional procedure and other treatment. Further results are awaited. The initial procedure has been successful. As a result, the DSG will be on medical leave for the next few weeks. She will discharge her duties and responsibilities in accordance with advice from her medical team,” says ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA VISITS JESSIE DUARTE

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has already paid a visit to Jessie Duarte in hospital on Tuesday, 30 November 2021. According to Mabe, Ramaphosa found Duarte to be in good spirits and conveyed the best wishes of the leadership and membership to her and her family.

She is being treated by an excellent medical team headed by Professor Jose Ramos of the University of the Witwatersrand, Mabe added.

Duarte’s hospitalisation doesn’t necessarily mean Luthuli House (The ANC’s headquarters) will be brought to a standstill. The ANC says some of its NEC members and other officials will continue with work at the Office of the Secretary General.

“The work of the ANC in general, and the Office of the Secretary General in particular, will continue unabated. The DSG will be assisted in the execution of her duties and functions by full-time National Officials and NEC members based at ANC headquarters. The National Officials will make further announcements in this regard in due course.”

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe

News of Duarte’s hospitalisation comes as the ANC has been hard at work, like most other political parties, following the local government elections. It’s been a busy couple of weeks at Luthuli House as it has been finalising coalition agreements in some of the 66 hung municipalities, while also trying to retain power in others.