Duduzane says Jacob Zuma remains part of decision-making amid health scare

Zuma remains involved in party decisions, son says

Duduzane Zuma told a national broadcaster over the weekend that his father, former president Jacob Zuma, remains involved in the party’s decision-making after a recent hospital stay in Pietermaritzburg. The former president, who is 84 years old, spent several days in hospital and has since been discharged but has not yet been seen in public.

What Duduzane said to Newzroom Afrika

Duduzane spoke to Newzroom Afrika to address public concern about his father’s condition and role in the party. He sought to reassure supporters that Jacob Zuma was not removed from party business despite taking time to rest and undergo medical checks.

“To clear up the misconception, the president has not been away. He is taking it easy. He is getting necessary check-ups, which is what we do from time to time.

He may be absent, but he is present at all decision-making capacity and where the party is going,”

Party statement: routine check-up and fatigue

The MK Party issued a statement saying the former president underwent a routine medical check-up during which his medical team identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision.

“Following a routine medical check-up, President Jacob Zuma’s highly skilled medical team identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision,” the party said.

The party also thanked the medical team caring for Zuma and supporters who sent messages of concern and support during his recovery.

Duduzane stepping up on the campaign trail

With local government elections approaching, the MK Party said the former president’s brief hospitalisation coincided with a busy campaign period. Duduzane, who serves as his father’s deputy in the party and has taken on additional responsibilities, has been more visible on the ground.

Over the weekend he addressed a rally in KwaZulu-Natal, raising a range of issues including land and immigration. At the rally he delivered a direct message to people in the country without proper documentation.

“For the people that are living in our cities that are here illegally, undocumented foreigners, our message to you is: dear brothers and sisters from Africa, respect our laws in this country, respect our people in this country because when we travel into your countries, we respect your laws. That goes for everyone else in the Western world as well.

If you do not have the right information paperwork, choose your border and leave,” he said.

Duduzane also urged supporters to turn out to vote in the upcoming elections, stressing the importance of the ballot as the means to influence change.

“The only thing that you have is the power to vote, you do not have anything else. You may think that you have it, you do not.

So, when we speak about getting up and going to vote, that is the only power we have in changing the destinies of our lives,” he said.

Why this matters

The statements from Duduzane and the MK Party address two linked concerns: the health of an elder political figure and the continuity of party leadership at a sensitive moment in the campaign calendar. Public updates from family and party officials can help manage uncertainty, while routine medical checks and recommended rest are common precautionary steps for older adults.

For political organisations, the active participation of a senior leader in decision-making, even while taking medical leave, can be important for internal cohesion and external messaging. At the same time, visible delegation of tasks to deputies is a practical response when a leader reduces public-facing activities.

What we know from the party

• Jacob Zuma underwent a routine medical check-up in Pietermaritzburg;
• The medical team identified fatigue and recommended rest under medical supervision;
• He has been discharged from hospital but has not yet made a public appearance;
• Duduzane Zuma says the former president remains part of key decision-making.

Looking ahead

With less than three weeks until the local government elections, party leaders and campaign teams will continue to manage both political messaging and the practicalities of campaigning. Public reassurances from family and party spokespeople are likely to remain a feature while Mr Zuma undergoes recommended rest and follow-up checks.

As the MK Party moves through the campaign period, the balance between public appearances and private medical care for senior figures will be closely watched by supporters and political observers alike.