Former president Jacob Zuma is reportedly making progress in hospital, according to the Jacob Zuma Foundation. The foundation has reassured concerned supporters while asking journalists to respect his privacy.
Zuma was admitted to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg last week. Since then, messages of concern and support have continued to reach the foundation.
Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi thanked the public for their concern. He also welcomed the government’s appeal for people to respect Zuma’s medical privacy.
Jacob Zuma Reportedly Joking and in High Spirits
Manyi shared an encouraging update about Zuma’s condition. He explained that someone who had recently spent time with the former president reported positive news.
“The concern and the anxiety that is out there is warranted, so we want to underscore that,” Manyi said.
Furthermore, Manyi said the person had seen Zuma at around 15:00 the previous day. According to that account, the former president appeared cheerful.
“He’s good, he’s fine, he’s joking,” Manyi said.
The spokesperson also revealed that Zuma was following other programmes during his hospital stay. Moreover, he reportedly hoped to return to the stage and perform his famous struggle song, Umshini Wami.
The update offered reassurance to supporters awaiting news about the former president. However, the foundation did not disclose further medical details about his condition.
Foundation Urges Journalists to Respect Zuma’s Privacy
Meanwhile, the Jacob Zuma Foundation has raised concerns about journalists gathering outside the hospital.
Manyi criticised the practice of reporters waiting outside the medical facility. He described the approach as “un-African” and called for greater respect for Zuma’s privacy.
Although the foundation recognises the public’s concern, it believes that his hospital stay deserves privacy. It has therefore urged journalists to consider the former president’s personal space while he receives treatment.
The foundation also expressed gratitude for the messages and well-wishes sent by supporters. These messages have followed reports of Zuma’s hospital admission.
The government has also called for respect for his medical privacy. Meanwhile, the foundation says it will continue sharing appropriate updates about his condition.