S.Africa's ex-president Zuma hits campaign trail after hospital stay
"Thank you, I am back," he told supporters at the start of a 45-minute speech in Durban, the major southeastern city where his party is hoping for a strong showing in Wednesday's vote.
Former South African President and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma (C) greets supporters as his son Duduzane Zuma (R) assists him to take his seat at the party's final election rally in KwaMashu township, outside Durban, on November 1, 2026, ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. (Photos by AFP)
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DURBAN — Former South African president Jacob Zuma made his first public appearance since being hospitalised last month, addressing a rally for his party on Sunday just days before municipal elections.
Several South African media outlets, including public broadcaster SABC, reported that Zuma was admitted to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg on October 7.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wished him a speedy recovery at the time.
Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, a breakaway from the ruling African National Congress (ANC), had described the hospital visit as routine.
"Thank you, I am back," he told supporters at the start of a 45-minute speech in Durban, the major southeastern city where his party is hoping for a strong showing in Wednesday's vote.
In Zuma's stronghold of KwaZulu-Natal, a predominantly Zulu province, several polls have put support for MK close to 50 percent, potentially allowing it to govern without coalition partners.
Former South African President and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader Jacob Zuma (C) sings and dances on stage at the party's final election rally in KwaMashu township, outside Durban, on November 1, 2026, ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Derick Mkhize, an MK candidate for local office, told AFP: "I was worried when I heard on the radio that Baba (Zuma) was unwell. To see him here today, alive and fighting, gives me strength."
A veteran of the struggle against apartheid, Zuma served as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018.
Dogged by corruption scandals, he was forced to resign by his own party before completing his second term.
Despite his fall from power, Zuma remains a major force in South African politics.
His MK party, launched just months before the 2024 general election, has since emerged as the country's third-largest political force.