Jacob Zuma hospitalised in KZN: Here’s what we know

Former president Jacob Zuma has been hospitalised in KwaZulu-Natal, with the MK Party moving to allay concerns over his health.

Zuma was admitted to hospital after campaigning in the province this week.

The MK Party says the 84-year-old underwent a routine medical check-up and is well.

However, reports surrounding his admission differ.

JACOB ZUMA HOSPITALISED

Initial reports indicated that Zuma had taken ill while campaigning in Msinga on Tuesday before being admitted to hospital.

A report states that an eyewitness saw Zuma arrive at hospital by ambulance.

However, the MK Party has played down concerns over the former president’s condition.

Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said Zuma undergoes routine medical checks twice a year.

“The president is not unwell. He is very much well and alive; it was a regular check-up,” Mahlangu said.

The party also said Zuma was in good spirits and expected to return to the campaign trail on Friday.

MK PARTY SAYS ZUMA IS WELL

Mahlangu said he had spoken to Zuma and maintained there was no cause for alarm.

He said Zuma had undergone routine checks, including blood tests.

According to another report, a family associate said that Zuma had been feeling unwell, but that his condition was not serious.

The associate said the hospital visit coincided with his scheduled medical check-up.

Other reports indicated that Zuma had already been discharged and returned to his Nkandla home.

The MK Party has not disclosed further details about the former president’s health.

ZUMA ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Zuma remains the leader and public face of the MK Party as South Africa heads towards the local government elections.

He has been campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the polls.

The former president served as South Africa’s head of state from 2009 until his resignation in February 2018.

He later backed the newly formed MK Party ahead of the 2024 general elections and subsequently became its leader.

Zuma’s latest hospital visit comes as the party steps up its campaign ahead of the local government elections.

The MK Party maintains that Zuma is well and plans to resume campaigning on Friday.