Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s hospitalisation has raised questions about his participation in upcoming uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party campaign activities ahead of the country’s local government elections.
Party officials said Zuma was undergoing a routine medical check-up and was in good spirits, but did not disclose further details about his condition.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, told reporters that Zuma had been unwell and was receiving medical treatment. He wished his predecessor a speedy recovery.
Local media reports said Zuma was taken by ambulance to a medical clinic in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
His hospitalisation has sparked uncertainty over his involvement in the MK Party’s preparations for its manifesto launch in Mbombela.
It remains unclear whether the former president will attend a planned gathering in the Mtooba area on October 18, an event expected to form part of the party’s campaign activities.
Zuma, who served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018, remains a prominent figure in the country’s politics.
He helped propel the newly formed MK Party to third place in the 2024 national elections, establishing it as a significant political force.
His potential absence from upcoming campaign events could affect the party’s preparations as it seeks to consolidate its support ahead of the local government polls.
