Manyi slams Zuma health ‘frenzy’, challenges Ramaphosa over Nkandla

MK Party MP and Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi has taken aim at President Cyril Ramaphosa over Jacob Zuma’s hospitalisation, questioning whether his concern for the former president extends to maintaining his Nkandla homestead and replacing his ageing vehicles.

Manyi also accused the media of double standards, questioning why Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s recent illness did not attract the same scrutiny.

His remarks come as the 84-year-old Zuma remains in hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where he has been receiving medical treatment since last week.

MANYI CHALLENGES RAMAPHOSA OVER NKANDLA

In a post on X on Sunday, 11 October, Manyi questioned whether Ramaphosa and the Presidency were doing enough to protect Zuma’s dignity.

He argued that the concern expressed by the president should extend beyond messages of support.

“The proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead, through the relevant public works structures, and the replacement of his ageing fleet are matters that warrant serious consideration,” Manyi said.

He maintained that former heads of state deserved respect regardless of political differences.

“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by words, but by the consistency with which principles are translated into action.”

If President @CyrilRamaphosa and @PresidencyZA are genuinely committed to the well-being and dignity of H.E. President Jacob Zuma, this commitment should be reflected in practical and meaningful action.

The proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead, through the relevant public…

— Mzwanele Manyi MP (@MzwaneleManyi) October 11, 2026

Manyi’s remarks followed Ramaphosa’s public confirmation that Zuma had been unwell and was receiving medical treatment.

The president wished his predecessor a speedy recovery.

MASHATILE DRAGGED INTO ZUMA HEALTH ROW

In a separate X post, Manyi accused the media of applying different standards when reporting on Zuma and Mashatile.

“When the country’s current Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, was reportedly unwell for approximately two months, we did not witness this kind of media frenzy,” he said.

He questioned why Zuma’s hospitalisation had prompted such intense scrutiny.

Manyi acknowledged the media’s responsibility to keep South Africans informed but accused journalists of fuelling speculation.

“The question is simple: Why does the media apply such different standards, and who benefits from turning President Zuma’s health into a national spectacle?”

He called for Zuma to be allowed to recover without further speculation about his medical condition.

Mashatile returned to work last week after recovering from illness. His office thanked South Africans for their support and acknowledged journalists’ enquiries during his recovery.

ZUMA REMAINS IN HOSPITAL

Zuma remains at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg after reportedly falling ill during an MK Party campaign visit to Msinga last Tuesday.

The MK Party initially described his hospital visit as a routine medical check-up and maintained that he was healthy and in good spirits.

However, Ramaphosa subsequently confirmed that the former president had been unwell.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Sunday that Zuma was receiving care under the supervision of the military surgeon-general.

She stressed that only Zuma’s doctors could disclose details of his condition with his consent.

Neither his family nor his medical team has publicly confirmed a diagnosis or indicated when he could leave hospital.