‘Petty politics’: Ramaphosa’s spokesperson hits back at Zuma Foundation

South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has accused the Jacob Zuma Foundation of creating unnecessary political conflict after it questioned the president’s sincerity in expressing concern for former president Jacob Zuma’s health.

Zuma, 84, has been receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, after arriving by ambulance on Tuesday.

Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi questioned whether Ramaphosa’s concern extended beyond public statements, arguing that meaningful action should include proper maintenance of Zuma’s Nkandla homestead and consideration of his ageing vehicle fleet.

Manyi also criticised the media attention surrounding Zuma’s hospitalisation, comparing it with the coverage of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s reported illness and recovery.

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.

There was no apparent minute-by-minute demand for updates, nor did we see the same intensity of media attention surrounding his recovery.

Yet, when it comes to H.E. President Zuma, the media appears unable to resist turning every development into a matter of intense national speculation.

One is left wondering: Is this really about concern for his health, or is there something else driving this disproportionate level of interest?

The media has a legitimate role to play in keeping the public informed. However, there is a difference between responsible reporting and coverage that fuels anxiety, encourages speculation and creates unnecessary public panic.

President Zuma deserves the same dignity, privacy and consideration that should be afforded to any person facing a health challenge. His health should not become an opportunity for sensationalism.

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?

South Africans deserve responsible journalism, not a constant cycle of speculation and alarm. Let President Zuma recover in privacy and dignity. @XoliMngambi

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

Responding to Manyi, Magwenya said the foundation was being irresponsible by portraying the president’s remarks as a source of conflict.

“You are being irresponsible and you are creating conflict where none exist. This is not the time for petty politics, Chief,” Magwenya said.

You are being irresponsible and you are creating conflict where none exist. This is not the time for petty politics, Chief.

— Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 (@SpokespersonRSA) October 12, 2026

Ramaphosa has publicly wished Zuma a speedy recovery, saying he wanted the former president to regain his health and continue serving South Africans.

Meanwhile, the MK party has described Zuma’s hospital visit as a routine health check, saying he was healthy and in good spirits, despite reports from sources close to the party leader suggesting that his condition remained concerning.

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