Former President Jacob Zuma is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Monday. A source close to the former president denied reports that his condition was critical.
The source told the publication IOL that the president is in good condition. He suffers from diabetes and was suffering from overexertion, which required him to undergo examinations and rest. The source added that he needed rest, is fine, and should be discharged today.
This latest development followed days of speculation regarding Zuma's health after his hospitalization in Pietermaritzburg earlier this week. Several sources close to Zuma refuted media speculation. One of them also rejected comments attributed to a person claiming to be Zuma's brother.
The source emphasized that Zuma's last biological brother died two years ago and that he has no brother, so they do not know where the information in the media came from. He noted that in their culture it is customary to call each other brothers, but one cannot quote someone or say they are his brother just to sensationalize what is said. Furthermore, the source stated that it was false to claim that the president was in critical condition, as this is untrue.
Speculation about Zuma's health, including claims of his imminent death, prompted Minister of the Presidency, Humbudzo Ntshavheni, to intervene, calling for Zuma to be afforded privacy. Zuma's son and Deputy President of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, Duduzane Zuma, also refuted reports of his father's illness this week, stating that he is fine and ready to continue leading the party.