TZANEEN – Deputy President Paul Mashatile collapsed during an event in Tzaneen this afternoon and was rushed to hospital.

Mashatile was addressing guests during the 15th annual N’wamitwa Day at the Valoyi Cultural Village.

It is still unclear how Mashatile is coping, but the current heatwave in the area is likely to be to blame.

It is speculated that he was taken to the Tzaneen Medi clinic.

The village is ruled by Hosi Tinyiko N’wamitwa, who is the first female chief recognised in the country.

The celebrations quickly died down and the program was shortened.