Jacob Zuma expected to leave hospital as conflicting reports fuel uncertainty

Former president Jacob Zuma is expected to be discharged from hospital on Monday, according to a source close to him, following days of conflicting reports about his health. 

The source told IOL that Zuma, who was admitted to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg earlier last week, was doing well and needed medical checks and rest after becoming exhausted. 

“The president is doing fine. He is diabetic and was overworking himself, so he needed to undergo some checks and get some rest,” the source said, according to th“He needed that rest. He was exhausted, but he’s fine and should be discharged today.” 

However, eNCA reported on Monday morning that Zuma remained at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, leaving his discharge status unclear. 

The reports follow widespread speculation about the 84-year-old’s condition after he was admitted to hospital last week. 

The source also rejected reports that Zuma was in a critical condition, disputing comments attributed to someone described in the media as his brother. 

“Zuma’s last biological brother died two years ago. He doesn’t have a brother, so we don’t know where the media got that from,” the source said. 

The source argued that the use of the term “brother” in some cultural contexts did not necessarily indicate a biological relationship. 

Ramaphosa Assigns SANDF Surgeon-General to Oversee Zuma’s Medical Care

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says President Cyril Ramaphosa has assigned the SANDF surgeon-general to oversee former president Jacob Zuma’s medical care.

She says only his doctors may disclose details about his health with his consent, stressing that his public profile does not override his right to medical privacy.

MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 11, 2026

The conflicting accounts have prompted calls for restraint in reporting on Zuma’s health. 

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Sunday that only Zuma’s medical team could provide information about his condition with his consent. 

“The fact that a person holds a particular position in society does not entitle us to violate their privacy,” she said, according to TimesLIVE. 

Zuma’s son, Duduzane Zuma, who is the deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has also dismissed reports suggesting his father would be unable to continue leading the party. 

The former president’s hospitalisation comes as the MKP prepares for the November 4 local government elections. His health has raised questions about his participation in the party’s campaign programme. 

The cause and severity of Zuma’s condition have not been publicly detailed by his medical team. 

Until an official update confirms his discharge, his hospital status remains uncertain.

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