Former South African President Jacob Zuma Faces Health Concerns Amid Election Campaign

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, 82, has been experiencing health issues in recent weeks, raising concerns among his doctors and security team.

Zuma, who has been campaigning for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party ahead of the upcoming elections, collapsed on Friday due to fatigue and low blood pressure, forcing him to suspend campaign activities.

According to four independent sources, Zuma has had several incidents of feeling faint and collapsing during his election campaign. On Saturday, he experienced another fall at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. However, the MK Party, which Zuma founded and now leads, has denied claims that the former president is unwell.

"The president is not ill," stated MK Party spokesperson Carl Niehaus. "He always travels with a doctor and an ambulance. Moving the former president is logistically challenging, and people want him to be everywhere, which is not possible."

Zuma's health concerns have prompted discussions about his well-being and ability to continue campaigning. He was notably absent on Monday when a court dismissed the African National Congress's (ANC) application against his party over its logo. Zuma has attended most court cases involving his party in the past.

Why this matters: As a former president and influential figure in South African politics, Jacob Zuma's health and involvement in the upcoming elections could have significant implications for the country's political landscape. The outcome of the court case regarding the MK Party's logo and Zuma's ability to campaign effectively may impact voter support and the balance of power among political parties.

Despite the recent health concerns, Zuma celebrated the expiry of his prison sentence in October 2022 with an energetic display at his homestead. He had been jailed in 2021 for contempt of court but was later released on medical parole. Critics have accused Zuma of using his health as a tactic to delay court proceedings related to corruption allegations in the past.

As the election campaign continues, Zuma's family has stated that the 82-year-old is in good health, despite the recent incidents. The MK Party has scaled down Zuma's campaign diary in light of his health concerns. The coming weeks will reveal the extent to which Zuma's health will impact his ability to participate in the election and the potential consequences for his party's performance at the polls.

Key Takeaways

• Jacob Zuma, 82, has experienced health issues, collapsing during campaign.
• MK Party denies Zuma is ill, says he travels with doctor and ambulance.
• Zuma's health concerns prompt discussions about his ability to campaign.
• Zuma celebrated release from prison in 2022 but recent falls raise questions.
• Zuma's health may impact MK Party's performance in upcoming elections.