Former President Jacob Zuma is set to make his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital at a uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) rally in KwaMashu, north of Durban. The rally, scheduled to start at 10am, is one of several held by various parties ahead of the local government elections. Zuma's appearance comes after a pre-recorded video message on Friday evening, where he urged voters to support his party and change municipal leadership.
Zuma's hospital discharge was reported on October 17, after an 11-day stay at Netcare St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, where he was being treated for an undisclosed illness. Although he did not mention his hospital stay in the video message, he expressed gratitude for well-wishes from people during his recovery. His son, Duduzane Zuma, had previously stated that his father was resting at home after being discharged.
The local government elections are set to begin with special votes on Monday and conclude with the main vote on Wednesday. Various parties have been holding final rallies ahead of the elections, including the EFF, ANC, and DA. EFF leader Julius Malema addressed supporters at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, while President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the ANC's rally at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The MKP rally, where Zuma will make his public appearance, is expected to draw a large crowd. In his pre-recorded video message, Zuma called on South Africans to vote for his party, stating that it would make South Africa a "good country". He also urged voters to take the opportunity to change municipal leadership, saying that his party was ready to take over.
Other parties have also been unveiling their mayoral candidates ahead of the elections. The EFF introduced its three women mayoral candidates for Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Johannesburg metros at a rally in Soweto. Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Nthabiseng Tshivhenga outlined her plans to prioritize job creation, insourcing, and addressing service delivery issues in the city.
The IFP will also hold a rally in its traditional stronghold of Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, led by party president Velenkosini Hlabisa. The DA leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, held his party's final national rally at Moretele Park in Mamelodi, Tshwane. The elections are seen as a crucial test for the various parties, with many voters expected to make their voices heard.
Zuma's public appearance at the MKP rally marks a significant event in the run-up to the local government elections. His party, uMkhonto weSizwe, is hoping to make gains in the elections, with Zuma's endorsement seen as a key factor. The outcome of the elections will have implications for the country's governance and service delivery at the local level.
Key points
- Former President Jacob Zuma to make first public appearance since hospital discharge at MKP rally in KwaMashu.
- Local government elections set to begin with special votes on Monday and conclude with main vote on Wednesday.
- Various parties, including EFF, ANC, and DA, have been holding final rallies ahead of the elections.
