KwaZulu-Natal's major political parties are making their final push for votes ahead of Wednesday's local government elections. Former President Jacob Zuma has returned to the campaign trail, taking centre stage in the province. Zuma, the 84-year-old MK Party leader, was hospitalised for 11 days in October and had been out of the public eye for weeks, fuelling speculation about his health.
Zuma made his first public appearance on Friday evening after weeks of absence. He is expected to address thousands of supporters at the MK Party's final election rally at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban. His appearance comes as political parties stage their final rallies across the province ahead of the closely contested elections. The MK Party emerged as the largest party in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2024 general elections.
Other parties, including the ANC and IFP, are also holding their final rallies in the province. The ANC rally will be addressed by party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula at Curries Fountain Stadium in Durban. Meanwhile, the IFP, which is seeking to consolidate its support in KwaZulu-Natal, will hold its final rally in Ulundi, where party president Velenkosini Hlabisa is expected to address supporters.
Zuma's return is particularly significant for the MK Party, which is seeking to build on its success in the province. His presence at Sunday's rally places him at the centre of the party's final campaign push in a province where he remains an influential political figure. Zuma was admitted to a Pietermaritzburg hospital on October 6 after experiencing fatigue.
He spent 11 days at the facility before being discharged, amid speculation that he had been transferred to another medical facility. The party had previously sought to reassure supporters about his condition, saying his medical team had recommended rest under medical supervision. His prolonged absence from public engagements had raised questions about whether he would be able to participate in the party's final election campaign activities.
The local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal are closely contested, with parties vying for support in the province. The MK Party, ANC, and IFP are among the parties competing for votes. Zuma's return to the campaign trail is seen as a significant boost to the MK Party's final push for votes.
The elections are set to take place on Wednesday, with parties making their final appeals to voters. The outcome of the elections in KwaZulu-Natal will be closely watched, given the province's significance in South African politics. Zuma's influence in the province is expected to play a role in shaping the election outcome.
Key points
- Former President Jacob Zuma returns to campaign trail in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of local government elections.
- Zuma addresses MK Party supporters at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban.
- Local government elections in KwaZulu-Natal are closely contested, with parties vying for support in the province.
