Jacob Zuma Remains Hospitalised Ahead of MK Party Manifesto Launch

 

Jacob Zuma Remains in Hospital as MK Party Prepares for Election Manifesto Launch

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa — 12 October 2026

Former South African President Jacob Zuma remains hospitalised in Pietermaritzburg, raising questions about his participation in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's election campaign as the country prepares for local government elections on November 4.

The 84-year-old political leader is receiving care at Netcare St Anne's Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, where he was admitted last week.

His continued hospital stay has attracted national attention as the MK Party prepares to unveil its local government election manifesto in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Sunday, October 18.

Although party officials have sought to reassure supporters about Zuma's condition, his attendance at upcoming political events has not been confirmed.

MK Party Says Zuma Underwent Routine Medical Check-Up

The MK Party previously stated that Zuma had attended a scheduled medical examination, describing it as part of a routine check-up he undergoes twice a year.

Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the former president was healthy and in good spirits and indicated that his election campaign activities would continue.

However, Zuma's hospital stay extended beyond the initial reports of a medical examination, prompting further questions about his availability for planned political engagements.

The party has not publicly disclosed a specific medical diagnosis.

Media reports have offered differing accounts of the circumstances surrounding his admission, but those accounts have not established an independently verified medical diagnosis.

Government Calls for Respect for Zuma's Privacy

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has urged the public and media to respect Zuma's medical privacy.

Ntshavheni said the former president was under the care of the Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force, in accordance with arrangements for former heads of state.

She emphasised that medical information should come from Zuma's doctors with his consent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also expressed concern for his predecessor's well-being and wished him a speedy recovery.

The government's comments come amid heightened public interest in Zuma's health and continued speculation surrounding his hospitalisation.

Uncertainty Ahead of MK Party Manifesto Launch

Zuma's admission comes at a politically important moment for the MK Party.

The party is preparing for its election manifesto launch in Mbombela on October 18, an event expected to outline its priorities for local government and strengthen its campaign ahead of the November vote.

As the party's most prominent figure, Zuma has played a central role in mobilising supporters and shaping its political identity.

Questions about whether he will attend the launch have therefore become an important issue for the organisation.

Despite the uncertainty, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson and MK Party parliamentarian Mzwanele Manyi has indicated that Zuma will continue leading the party through the municipal election campaign.

Manyi has also criticised intrusive speculation about Zuma's private medical circumstances.

There has been no confirmed announcement that the manifesto launch will be cancelled or postponed because of his hospitalisation.

Local Government Elections Set for November 4

South Africa's local government elections are scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

Political parties are campaigning for representation in municipal councils across the country, with issues such as service delivery, infrastructure, employment and local governance expected to feature prominently.

For the MK Party, Zuma's public profile has been an important part of its electoral mobilisation.

His ability to participate in major campaign events could influence the party's public messaging in the final weeks before voters go to the polls.

However, the party has maintained that its campaign preparations will continue.

Zuma Also Expected at TRC Cases Inquiry

Beyond the upcoming election events, Zuma is expected to testify later this month before an inquiry examining unresolved cases linked to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

His hospitalisation has introduced uncertainty over whether he will be available for that appearance.

Any change to his scheduled participation would require confirmation from the relevant authorities.

What Happens Next?

Attention will now turn to whether Zuma is discharged from hospital and whether the MK Party provides further information about his participation in Sunday's manifesto launch.

The party has maintained that the former president remains committed to its election campaign, while government officials have called for his medical privacy to be respected.

For now, his precise medical condition has not been publicly established through an authorised clinical statement.

With the municipal elections approaching, developments concerning Zuma's availability are likely to remain a significant political story.

SA360 NEWS will continue monitoring official statements and verified developments concerning Jacob Zuma and the MK Party's election campaign.

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