Former President Jacob Zuma Reportedly Admitted to KwaZulu-Natal Hospital After Falling Ill

• Former State President Jacob Zuma was reportedly taken by ambulance to a KwaZulu-Natal hospital
• Neither the Jacob Zuma Foundation nor the uMhonto weSizwe Party has officially confirmed the hospitalisation at first
• The MK Party leader is currently 84, but continues to attend rallies, dance on stage, and make public statements
• MK Party National Spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu provided an update to Briefly News about Zuma's status

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWAZULU-NATAL — Former President Jacob Zuma was reportedly hospitalised in KwaZulu-Natal late on Tuesday night, 6 October 2026, after becoming unwell during a public appearance earlier in the day.

According to The Witness, Zuma had attended an event in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, before his condition deteriorated. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a KZN hospital, where an eyewitness confirmed he was admitted.

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The nature of his illness has not been disclosed.

Hospitalisation not yet officially confirmed

As of Wednesday, 7 October 2026, neither the Jacob Zuma Foundation nor the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has issued a public statement confirming or denying the reported admission.

Zuma, who turned 84 this year, has faced health challenges before, including past surgery and hospitalisation. Despite this, he has remained a prominent and active political figure, continuing to lead the MK Party, attend rallies, and make regular public statements.

Briefly News reached out to Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi and MK Party National Spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu for comment. Mahlangu has since responded to the publication, confirming that the former President underwent routine checkups.

"President Jacob Zuma attended his routine medical checkups yesterday. He gets a full routine checkup twice a year. He is healthy and in good spirits. His campaign programme will continue accordingly," Mahlangu said.

Source: Briefly News