Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s hospitalisation has raised uncertainty over his participation in upcoming campaign activities of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party ahead of the country’s local government elections.
The party said Zuma was undergoing a routine medical check-up and was in good spirits but did not provide further details about his condition.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also confirmed that Zuma had been unwell and was receiving medical treatment. He wished the former president a speedy recovery.
Local media reported that Zuma was taken by ambulance to a medical clinic in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
His hospitalisation comes as the MK Party prepares for its manifesto launch in Mbombela, where the former president is expected to play a prominent role in the party’s campaign.
However, it remains unclear whether Zuma will attend a planned gathering in the Mtooba area on October 18.
Zuma served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018. He later helped establish the MK Party, which finished third in the country’s 2024 national elections.
The party has since emerged as a significant political force, with Zuma remaining one of its most prominent figures.
No official announcement has been made about whether his health situation will affect the party’s planned campaign events.
