Former President Jacob Zuma and now the leader of ANC splinter party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is in good health and ready to hit the ground running wooing electoral support for his party ahead of the crucial upcoming municipal elections.
The assurance was given by Sifiso Mahlangu, MK Party spokesperson after reports emerged that Zuma had been rushed to a Pietermaritzburg health facility on Tuesday night.
“The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) confirms that President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma attended his routine medical check-up. The President gets a full routine check-up twice a year,” Mahlangu explained.
However, a highly-placed source in the MK Party told the Mail&Guardian on Wednesday that Zuma, 85, had been on a campaign trail in the rural village of uMsinga in his home province when he suddenly fell weak.
“He’s 85. It was very hot yesterday, and if the heat could affect us that badly, then maybe it has also affected him,” the source told M&G.
But Mahlangu poured water on the claims that Zuma was unwell, saying the former head of state was healthy and in good spirits.
“His campaign will continue accordingly,” he asserted.
Despite his old age, Zuma continues to be an influential figure in South Africa’s political landscape. The MK Party, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, have pinned their hopes on his popularity in the party’s bid to win key councils in the province - namely eThekwini metro, KwaDukuza, Msunduzi, Newcastle and the City of uMhlathuze.
The party is contesting its first local government elections since its formation leading up to the 2024 provincial and national elections. In KZN, considered its stronghold, the party recorded 45.3% of the vote share. It also became the biggest party with 37 seats in the 80 seats provincial legislature. It was however muscled out of power when the ANC, DA, IFP and NFP bandied together to form the government of provincial unity.