- A source close to Jacob Zuma confirmed the former president was admitted due to exhaustion and diabetes-related health checks
- Sources close to Zuma pushed back against reports of critical illness, including claims made by someone described as his brother
- Duduzane Zuma and Minister Ntshavheni both responded publicly after health rumours about the former president spread widely
Source: Getty Images
PIETERMARITZBURG — Former president Jacob Zuma is set to leave a Pietermaritzburg hospital on Monday after spending several days receiving medical attention, according to a source close to the former leader.
The source, speaking to IOL, said Zuma had been overworking himself and required medical checks and rest, primarily linked to his diabetes. The source described him as exhausted but stable and ready to return home.
Zuma's inner circle pushes back
Those close to the former president were firm in dismissing reports suggesting his condition was severe. The sources characterised such accounts as inaccurate and said they misrepresented the true state of his health.
One specific point of contention involved statements attributed to a person identified as Zuma's brother. Sources clarified that Zuma's last biological brother died two years ago. While the word "brother" carries cultural weight in South African society, those in Zuma's circle argued that media outlets had exploited the term to amplify the story beyond what the facts supported.
Government, family respond to health speculation
The health reports drew a public response from Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who called on the public and media to respect the former president's privacy during his recovery.
Duduzane Zuma, who serves as deputy president of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) and is Zuma's son, also addressed the matter. He stated his father was in good health and remained prepared to continue in his leadership role within the party.
The widespread speculation about Zuma's condition dominated news cycles for several days before sources moved to set the record straight, with Monday's expected discharge appearing to confirm that no serious medical crisis was at hand.
Source: Getty Images
Zuma and Mbeki to testify at TRC Commission
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma’s upcoming testimony before the inquiry into unprosecuted apartheid-era cases, after the Constitutional Court rejected their final bid to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe.
The inquiry will examine why hundreds of cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were never prosecuted. Investigators will consider whether political interference contributed to the failure to bring them to trial.
Source: Briefly News
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