Former South African President Jacob Zuma, 84, remains hospitalised at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, following his admission on October 7, 2026.
Reports indicate that Zuma became unwell after a public appearance in Msinga on October 6. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party initially described his hospital visit as a routine medical check-up, saying he was healthy and in good spirits.
However, the Presidency has confirmed that Zuma is receiving medical treatment under the supervision of the South African National Defence Force’s Surgeon-General. On October 11, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni urged the public to respect his privacy, stating that only his medical team could provide information about his condition with his consent.
Meanwhile, claims circulating about a possible military deployment in KwaZulu-Natal in the event of Zuma’s death have been challenged by the MK Party, which has called for credible evidence to support such reports.
As of October 12, no detailed medical update has been made public by the Presidency or Zuma’s family. Social media claims about his death should not be treated as fact without confirmation from credible, authoritative sources.
The situation remains under scrutiny as the public awaits further verified information about the former president’s health.