Zuma is in hospital, and his party's election campaign is built around him
The MK Party says the former president had a routine check-up. President Ramaphosa says he has been unwell. Local elections are approaching.
Pietermaritzburg — Jacob Zuma, the former South African president, has been in hospital since Wednesday, raising questions about how his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party will campaign for local government elections without him, Africanews reports.
Zuma was taken by ambulance to a medical clinic in Pietermaritzburg, according to local media.
Accounts of his condition differ. MK Party officials said he had undergone "a routine medical check-up and was in good spirits", and gave no further details. President Cyril Ramaphosa said Zuma had been unwell and was receiving medical treatment, and wished him a speedy recovery.
A party built on one name
Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018, was the main reason the newly formed MK Party came third in the 2024 national election.
The party is preparing to launch its manifesto in Mbombela, and Zuma was expected to play a prominent part in campaign events. It is not clear whether he will attend a gathering planned for 18 October.
The party has not said when he is expected to leave hospital.
This report is based on reporting by Africanews.
