WATCH: Jacob Zuma returns to campaign trail after hospitalisation

Former President Jacob Zuma has made his first in-person public appearance since being hospitalised in Pietermaritzburg in October.

Zuma attended the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Sunday, 1 November, ahead of the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November.

JACOB ZUMA RETURNS TO CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Ahead of the rally, the MK Party confirmed that Zuma would attend and deliver the keynote address.

The 84-year-old party leader was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on 6 October after falling ill while addressing a campaign event in uMsinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The party later confirmed that Zuma had been discharged on 17 October after spending 11 days in hospital. According to the party, his medical team had identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision.

His hospitalisation kept him away from the campaign trail during a crucial period for the party as he also missed a mini-rally in uMgababa on 18 October.

However, Zuma broke his silence on Friday, 30 October, in a video message shared on the party’s social media platforms.

In his address, he thanked those who had wished him well and urged South Africans to vote for the MK Party in the upcoming elections.

Jacob Zuma also expressed confidence in the party’s chances, saying it was ready to take over municipalities.

[WATCH] MK Party president Jacob Zuma arrives in KwaMashu, Princess Magogo Stadium, KZN. It’s his first public appearance following his recent hospitalisation. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/a1VkitRSPB

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405)

November 1, 2026