Former South African president Jacob Zuma, aged 84, was admitted to Netcare St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on 6 October and remains under medical observation more than a week later.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Zuma is unwell and receiving treatment overseen by the South African National Defence Force’s Surgeon General.

Hospital staff told IOL on 14 October that Zuma was still admitted, contradicting earlier reports that he had been discharged.

The MK Party, which Zuma leads, is preparing for the 4 November local government elections, and his prolonged absence has sparked concerns among supporters about his ability to attend campaign activities.

Party officials say Zuma remains the party’s leader and that the campaign will continue despite his hospitalisation, noting the party’s reliance on his public profile.

Speculation about succession has intensified, with Zuma’s son Duduzane mentioned in media reports, though no formal leadership transfer has been announced.

The Jacob G. Zuma Foundation and the MK Party have appealed for respect for his medical privacy and for the public to await updates from his medical team.

South African officials have reiterated that further health details should be provided by Zuma’s medical team with his consent.

As the election campaign intensifies, the MK Party faces the challenge of mobilising supporters without its most recognisable figure appearing publicly.