Jacob Zuma health latest: MK Party pulls plug on major event

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has cancelled its election manifesto launch as former president Jacob Zuma remains in hospital, while his foundation has accused the media of persecuting him over repeated enquiries about his condition.

MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe conceded that cancelling Sunday’s planned launch in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, was necessary.

The decision comes as the 84-year-old party president continues receiving medical care at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi has lashed out at journalists, accusing them of invading the former president’s privacy.

In a statement on Wednesday, 14 October, Manyi said the foundation would no longer entertain constant requests for updates.

“The Foundation will not be giving a minute by minute update on H.E President Zuma,” he said.

“You are requested to afford President Zuma PRIVACY and DIGNITY he deserves.

“The permanent enquiries are not appreciated. We see it as PERSECUTION & INVASION of privacy.”

Dear Media

The Foundation will not be giving a minute by minute update on H.E President Zuma.
You are requested to afford President Zuma PRIVACY and DIGNITY he deserves.
The permanent enquiries are not appreciated. We see it as PERSECUTION & INVASION of privacy.

Mzwanele Manyi

— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) October 14, 2026

The warning follows conflicting reports about Zuma’s discharge from hospital.

Reports on Tuesday suggested that doctors had discharged him on Monday night but advised him to remain in Pietermaritzburg for further observation.

However, Manyi dismissed those reports and confirmed that Zuma remained in hospital.

“Reports that H.E President Zuma has been discharged are NOT true,” he said.

The foundation has not disclosed the nature of Zuma’s illness or indicated when doctors expect to discharge him.

MK PARTY CANCELS MANIFESTO LAUNCH

The MK Party had planned to launch its local government election manifesto at the Siyathatha rally on Sunday, 18 October.

However, the party cancelled the event ahead of the 4 November municipal elections.

Hlophe acknowledged the need to call off the launch following concerns over Zuma’s condition.

WATCH: MK parliamentary leader John Hlophe concedes that it was necessary for the party to cancel its election manifesto launch, which was scheduled for Sunday in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

This follows reports of party president and former President Jacob Zuma’s ill health. Zuma… pic.twitter.com/6LRcPAezdp

— Gagasi FM News (@GagasiFMNews) October 14, 2026

In its official announcement, the party said it would instead concentrate on campaigning at ward level and engaging communities.

It plans to distribute its election manifesto electronically to party structures and members on Thursday, 15 October.

The cancellation leaves the party without its planned mass manifesto launch less than three weeks before voters head to the polls.

RAMAPHOSA, MASHATILE WISHED ZUMA WELL

Zuma entered hospital on Tuesday, 6 October, after reportedly falling ill during an election campaign engagement in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal.

The MK Party initially described his admission as a routine medical examination.

President Cyril Ramaphosa subsequently confirmed that Zuma had been unwell and was receiving treatment under the supervision of doctors.

As previously reported by The South African, Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile wished the former president a speedy recovery.

Manyi has also criticised what he considers unequal media scrutiny of Zuma and Mashatile, questioning why the deputy president’s recent illness did not attract similar attention.

The foundation maintains that Zuma is recovering well but has urged journalists to stop demanding regular medical updates.