Former president Jacob Zuma expected at first mass rally since hospital stay

Former president Jacob Zuma is expected to attend his first mass rally on Sunday since he was admitted to hospital. The 84-year-old leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party will address supporters at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban. The event is scheduled to start at 10am and forms part of the party’s final push ahead of the local government elections.

The rally carries the theme “Sithatha Omasipala: We Are Taking Municipalities.” Party organisers have invited members, supporters and local residents to attend. Zuma is confirmed as the main speaker. This appearance marks his first in-person public engagement since he left hospital.

Zuma was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on 6 October after he fell ill during a campaign event in uMsinga in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The MK Party said doctors identified fatigue following a routine medical check-up and recommended rest under medical supervision. He spent 11 days in hospital and was discharged on 17 October. He continued to visit the hospital for further observation in the days that followed. His son, Duduzane Zuma, told party members that his father was resting at home.

On Friday evening, Zuma released a short pre-recorded video message. He thanked people for their well-wishes and said he was glad to be back. He urged South Africans to vote in large numbers on 4 November and to support the MK Party. He told viewers that the party was ready to take over and that it was time to change municipal leadership where service delivery had failed. He did not discuss the details of his hospital stay.

The local government elections begin with special votes on Monday and the main voting day is Wednesday. Political parties held several final rallies over the weekend. In KwaZulu-Natal, the MK Party is working to hold and grow its support in areas such as eThekwini. Zuma’s presence at the KwaMashu rally is expected to reassure supporters that he remains active in the campaign.

The former president has kept a low public profile since his discharge. Party officials say he has continued to take part in decision-making while recovering. Sunday’s rally is the first large gathering he is set to attend in person after weeks away from the campaign trail.

Source: https://x.com/TimesLIVE/status/2116742832782286905

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