Duduzane Zuma dismisses confusion over Jacob Zuma’s health

uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) First Deputy President, Duduzane Zuma, has dismissed reports of confusion surrounding his father Jacob Zuma’s health, insisting that the former president’s medical condition remains a private family matter.

Speaking on the sidelines of the party’s mini-rally in Umgababa over the weekend, Duduzane said the statement issued on 7 October remains the only valid communication on his father’s health, describing subsequent statements as misleading.

The initial statement confirmed that Zuma attended his routine biannual medical check-up on 6 October, with the party assuring supporters he was “healthy and in good spirits”.

However, a second statement issued on Saturday fuelled further uncertainty, claiming that the former president had returned home following a stay at a hospital in Pietermaritzburg .

The now-deleted statement described the 84-year-old as “healthy and jovial” and ready to resume work. However, it remains unclear whether he has been discharged from hospital.

Duduzane said the family would not provide further updates, urging the public to respect his father’s privacy and allow him to address the situation himself when he is ready.

“I made it clear that there will be no communication on the president’s health. It’s a private matter. We’ll let him deal with whatever he is dealing with,” he said.

“Any statements that have been made after that, any comments that have been made, those are not truly reflective or representative of where we are at.”

He also sought to reassure the public following concerns raised by his sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, about their father’s medical care and security arrangements.

On 8 September, Zuma-Sambudla lodged a complaint with Major General, Wally Rhoode, calling for an urgent investigation into her father’s medical care and the Presidency Protection Unit’s security arrangements.

She alleged that some members of his security detail had become too familiar with his private affairs, raising concerns about professional boundaries. She also alleged possible collusion involving the unit, Siphokazi Xuma and certain MK Party officials.

Duduzane, however, maintained that his father’s medical care and security had been handled properly, saying he had been present during the hospital stay.

“Security was tight. Security was amazing. The doctors at the hospital did an amazing job. The president’s doctors and medics themselves were present at all times,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his father’s condition, Duduzane expressed confidence that the former president would return to the MK Party’s campaign trail ahead of the local government elections on 4 November.

Questions surrounding Zuma’s health have also affected proceedings at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Cases Inquiry, chaired by retired Justice, Sisi Khampepe.

Zuma was expected to testify before the commission on Thursday, but his appearance was postponed to a date yet to be confirmed following an agreement with his legal representatives.

The inquiry instead continued hearing  testimony from former President Thabo Mbeki on Monday, with scrutiny focused on efforts during his administration to investigate and prosecute apartheid-era crimes and atrocities.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]:

STATEMENT ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF H.E PRESIDENT JACOB GEDLEYIHLEKISA ZUMA https://t.co/YIBVJ5MOJN

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) October 7, 2026

Duduzile Zuma calls for urgent investigation into her father’s security and medical care:

In a letter dated 8 September 2026, Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, lodged a formal complaint with Major General Wally Rhoode, raising concerns about the independence of her father’s Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) and the handling of his medical care.

Her key allegations and requests include:

Alleged political interference: She claims some PPU members may have become involved in family disputes, political factionalism and internal MK Party conflicts, potentially compromising their professional responsibilities.

Alleged collusion and kickbacks: She calls for an investigation into alleged improper relationships between certain security personnel and MK Party officials.

She raises allegations that PPU members may have received inducements in exchange for favours, including controlling access to Zuma.

Security vulnerabilities: She alleges that meetings are sometimes arranged at very short notice, potentially leaving insufficient time for venue checks and advance security assessments. She wants clear rules on who can arrange meetings, alter movements or override security protocols.

Replacement of security personnel: She says certain PPU members may be compromised and indicates she is willing to identify officers she believes should be replaced.

Medical concerns: She questions whether Zuma’s treating doctors are fully informed about medication, injections, supplements or other treatments he may receive outside their supervision, including treatments potentially facilitated by people close to him. She requests direct engagement between his state medical team and Zuma to explain the risks and ensure proper communication.

Accountability: She says that should anything happen to her father, she would demand a full investigation into his security and medical care, including a post-mortem where legally applicable.

What she wants: Duduzile Zuma is requesting an urgent, independent investigation into the PPU’s conduct, alleged political and financial interference, access arrangements and security procedures. She also wants a review of her father’s medical safeguards and confirmation that her complaint has been received and appropriate action initiated.

She maintains that her concerns are about her father’s safety and wellbeing, rather than personal or political considerations.

Letter
Pages 1-4 or 7

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 15, 2026

@TRC_inquiry
The testimony of former President Jacob Zuma deferred. https://t.co/3FbcyXh87n

— TRC_inquiry (@TRC_inquiry) October 14, 2026