South Africa: The Office of the Premier wishes to reject, with the contempt it deserves, the misinformation being spread on social media platforms regarding the health status of Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane.
The article, which is purported to be written by a certain Thabo Makwakwa and published on what is branded as an IOL news agency online platform, first surfaced on Sunday, claiming that Premier Mabuyane was poisoned after winning the ANC’s Provincial elective congress.
While the Premier was working from home and did not attend any public engagements post the provincial elective conference, the claims that he had a case of food poisoning and was not well are false. Premier Mabuyane was, in fact, recovering from a freak accident which left his toes sprained. Doctors put a cast on his foot, and he was ordered to stay at home to ensure his recovery.
We appeal to members of the community to stop sharing this fake news and help combat the spread of misinformation, fear and any malicious stories created to cause anxiety.
We can confirm that the Premier is in good health and continues to discharge his responsibilities as the Eastern Cape Provincial Government leader.