Long leave for Merafhe

A highly placed source has revealed that President Ian Khama wants to "grant" Merafhe long leave from work, so that he can recover. The highly placed source said that Merafhe was recovering well at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. This was confirmed by the Office of the President on Friday and Sunday evening.

In his late 70s, Merafhe fell sick last month and was admitted to Bokamoso Private Hospital "for check ups" only to be relocated to Milpark Hospital where he underwent surgery.  "He was in the intensive care unit but was moved to a patients' ward last Thursday. He is recovering well," the source said.  Government spokesman, Dr Jeff Ramsay, confirmed that Merafhe was recovering well and out of intensive care.  He confirmed that South Africa's Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, and former presidents, Thabo Mbeki and Festus Mogae, went to check on Merafhe a few days ago.