Zuma family rejects airlift to Pretoria, insists on treatment in KZN – report

KwaZulu-Natal – Former president Jacob Zuma’s family has reportedly ruled out transferring him by air to a military hospital in Pretoria, insisting that he continue receiving medical treatment in KwaZulu-Natal amid growing concerns about his health.

According to News24, the family is opposed to an airlift, with Zuma remaining under medical care in Pietermaritzburg. The reported decision comes as conflicting accounts emerge about the 84-year-old uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader’s condition.

The Witness reported that Zuma remained at a private hospital despite earlier assurances from his party and foundation that he was well. The newspaper reported that he had been admitted after arriving by ambulance, although his diagnosis and the severity of his condition have not been officially disclosed.

[WATCH] President @CyrilRamaphosa responds to questions from members of the media at the conclusion of his visit to Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, following the launch of the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialisation Project.

The President wishes former President Jacob Zuma a speedy recovery following reports that he is receiving medical treatment, expressing hope that he regains his health soon and continues serving the people of South Africa.

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 9, 2026

The MK Party initially described the hospital visit as a routine medical check-up, saying Zuma undergoes such examinations twice a year.

“The President gets a full routine check-up twice a year,” party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said, according to the Mail & Guardian.

The party also maintained that Zuma was “healthy and in good spirits”, while reports of his continued hospitalisation fuelled speculation about his condition.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have publicly wished Zuma a speedy recovery. The South African reported that Mashatile confirmed the former president was in hospital but did not disclose details of his illness.

[WATCH] Deputy President Paul Mashatile wishes former president Jacob Zuma a speedy recovery. Newzroom Afrika’s Scara Mafokoane is following Mashatile on the ANC campaign trail in Johannesburg. #Newzroom405 https://t.co/faijdjVKLs

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 9, 2026

The developments come as the MK Party prepares for the upcoming local government elections, with Zuma remaining a central figure in its campaign.

Neither the exact nature of his illness nor the reported transfer arrangements have been fully clarified publicly. His family’s reported opposition to an airlift leaves his treatment in KwaZulu-Natal at the centre of the unfolding situation.