‘Healthy and jovial’: Zuma returns home after more than a week in hospital

Zuma

Pietermaritzburg – Former president Jacob Zuma has been discharged from hospital after spending more than a week under medical supervision, with his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party describing him as “healthy and jovial” following treatment for fatigue.

In a statement on Saturday, October 17, the party said Zuma had returned home and was continuing to attend to party matters ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

According to Independent Online (IOL), the 84-year-old was admitted to a Pietermaritzburg hospital on October 6 for medical checks. His medical team reportedly identified fatigue and recommended rest under supervision.

“Following a routine medical check-up, president Jacob Zuma’s highly skilled medical team identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision,” MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said.

“The president duly took the necessary time to rest and recuperate under the care and supervision of his doctors.”

The party confirmed that Zuma had been discharged and was back home, adding that he was “healthy and jovial”.

His hospitalisation prompted widespread speculation about his health, with conflicting reports emerging over the severity of his condition and whether he had been discharged.

On October 13, the Jacob Zuma Foundation denied reports that he had left hospital. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said at the time: “Reports that H.E. President Zuma has been discharged are not true.”

Meanwhile, SABC News reported that the foundation had described Zuma as being in high spirits and recovering well, while appealing for his privacy to be respected.

Medical condition

The Presidency had previously confirmed that Zuma was under the care of the surgeon-general of the South African National Defence Force. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni also stressed that details of his medical condition should be disclosed by his medical team with his consent.

Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, founded the MK Party in 2023 after his political relationship with the ANC deteriorated. He remains a central figure in the party as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections.

The MK Party thanked Zuma’s medical team and those who had expressed concern over his health, saying the former president was pleased with the work being done by party members in wards and branches across the country.

His discharge comes at a crucial time for the party, which is preparing its campaign ahead of the November polls.

Article written by