Former president Jacob Zuma's brother, Khanya Zuma, has expressed concerns over his brother's physical demands of campaigning, saying it is time for him to step back from politics. Speaking at his homestead in Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Khanya Zuma said his brother's commitment to politics was leaving him with too little time to rest, particularly ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
Jacob Zuma, the leader of the MK Party (MKP), was admitted to St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday after falling ill during an MKP electioneering drive in uMsinga. The hospital section in which he is being treated has been put under lockdown, and only family members and his inner circle have been allowed in and out. Those close to the family said Zuma remained in a critical condition at the hospital.
Zuma's health concerns have sparked widespread anxiety within the MKP, with some leaders voicing concern as to what impact this may have on the party at the polls. An MKP leader told the Sunday Times that Zuma's presence was critical for the party before and after the elections. The party is leading in eThekwini, and the leader expressed hope that Zuma recovers and comes back to lead them.
Independent political and elections analyst Wayne Sussman said Zuma's presence was critical for the MKP before and after the elections. He said the party would struggle tremendously if Zuma is incapacitated or is no longer able to lead the party. Sussman added that the MKP is a party centred around the vision and charisma of Jacob Zuma.
Sussman also said that Zuma's son, Duduzane, who is the number two in the party, does not have the same level of political experience as his father. He expressed concerns that if Zuma is no longer seen to be leading the party, much of the enthusiasm could dissipate, and many supporters would rather stay at home than go back to the ANC or choose the EFF or the IFP.
Khanya Zuma said he last saw his brother about two weeks ago and was increasingly concerned about the amount of time the former president spent travelling and attending political engagements. He added that Zuma's busy schedule affected his rest, with visitors sometimes staying with the former president until 1am or 2am.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday that the SANDF's surgeon-general had joined a team of specialists and doctors looking after Zuma and that the government was monitoring developments closely.
Key points
- Jacob Zuma's brother, Khanya, urges him to step back from politics due to health concerns.
- Zuma's health concerns have sparked anxiety within the MKP, with leaders worried about the impact on the party's performance in the local government elections.
- Analysts say the MKP would struggle if Zuma is incapacitated or no longer able to lead the party.
