Presidency urges respect for Zuma’s medical privacy

The Presidency is urging the public to respect former President Jacob Zuma’s medical privacy, as speculation continues over his health.

Answering questions at a media briefing in Pretoria earlier on Sunday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has said President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked the Surgeon General to oversee Zuma’s medical care.

However, she insists that only Zuma’s medical team can disclose details of his condition, and only with his consent. Ntshavheni says Zuma’s status as a former head of state does not override his right to medical confidentiality.

“I need to indicate the health status of Baba Zuma. He is under the care of the Surgeon General, and you know the ethical requirements. Only his medical doctors can pronounce on his health status and medical conditions, with his consent. Nobody should continuously ask us to comment on his health status. He is being treated by the doctors. The President has also assigned the Surgeon General to lead that process. Therefore, we must leave those questions to the medical team, the family, and President Zuma,” says Ntshaveni.

RELATED VIDEO |” President Ramaphosa wishes former President Jacob Zuma a speedy recovery