Jacob Zuma health update: Big development on ex-president

Former president Jacob Zuma has reportedly been discharged from hospital after spending nearly a week under medical care in KwaZulu-Natal.

The 84-year-old uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader left Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on Monday night, 12 October, according to reports.

However, doctors advised him to remain in the Pietermaritzburg area overnight in case he required emergency medical attention.

ZUMA DISCHARGED AFTER HEALTH SCARE

Zuma entered hospital on Tuesday, 6 October, after campaigning in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal.

His admission sparked conflicting reports about his condition, with the MK Party initially insisting that he had undergone a routine medical examination.

The Presidency subsequently confirmed that Zuma was receiving treatment under the care of the military surgeon-general.

Officials said the former president undergoes routine medical examinations twice a year.

As previously reported by The South African, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged on Friday that Zuma had been unwell and was receiving medical attention.

“President Jacob Zuma has not been well, and he has now been put under treatment by doctors,” Ramaphosa said.

He and Deputy President Paul Mashatile wished the former president a speedy recovery.

MANYI BREAKS SILENCE ON ZUMA’S CONDITION

The Jacob Zuma Foundation sought to reassure supporters on Monday, saying the former president was recovering well.

Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said someone who had visited Zuma reported that he remained in good spirits.

Manyi also criticised the media’s coverage of Zuma’s hospitalisation and called for greater respect for his privacy.

In The South African’s earlier report, Manyi questioned whether Ramaphosa’s concern for Zuma extended to maintaining his Nkandla homestead and replacing his ageing vehicles.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni also urged the public to respect Zuma’s medical privacy, stressing that his doctors should provide details about his condition.

WILL ZUMA ATTEND MK PARTY MANIFESTO LAUNCH?

Zuma’s reported discharge comes days before the MK Party’s manifesto launch in Mbombela on Sunday, 18 October.

Another report suggests that Zuma’s doctors are closely monitoring his recovery before clearing him to resume his political activities.

His hospitalisation has raised questions about whether he will attend the manifesto launch as the party prepares for the local government elections.

The former president is also expected to testify before the TRC Cases Inquiry later this month.

The MK Party has yet to confirm when Zuma will return to the campaign trail.