Jacob Zuma Hospitalised: Brother Shares What the Former President Told Him

Khanya Zuma, the brother of former president Jacob Zuma, has spoken about reports that the 84-year-old MK Party leader is in hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. He says Zuma is seriously ill and that the family is praying for his recovery.

Zuma is reportedly a patient at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital, a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg. He is said to have been admitted after appearing in public in Msinga on Monday, 5 October 2026.

The reports on how serious his condition is have not matched. The MK Party first said he had been admitted for routine medical check-ups. Members of his family and people close to him have since given a different picture.

Khanya told News24 that his brother is unwell and is receiving treatment in hospital. He said he last saw Zuma on the Monday, when Zuma told him, “Brother, I am not feeling well.” Khanya said he could not tell his brother was sick at that time. He first played down how serious things were, but later admitted that the situation is worrying. He said it does not look good, even though a younger relative who has been in contact with the hospital received a more hopeful update from the doctors.

News24 also reported that a relative and a source in Zuma’s circle said he was in the intensive care unit. Another reliable source told the publication that government doctors had taken over his medical care. None of this has been officially confirmed, and the nature of his illness has not been made public.

The timing adds to the attention. South Africa’s local government elections are set for November 2026, and Zuma is a founder and the public face of the MK Party. His public appearances have played a big part in the party’s growth, so a long absence could make campaigning harder.

For now, his family, supporters and the wider political community are waiting for a clear update on his condition.

https://briefly.co.za/south-africa/255509-jacob-zumas-brother-khanya-health-update-president-remains-hospital/

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