Jacob Zuma’s Brother Khanya Shares Health Update as Former President Remains in Hospital

Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s brother, Khanya Zuma, has provided an update on the former president’s health following reports that he was admitted to hospital earlier this week.

The 84-year-old leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) is reportedly receiving medical care at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. He was reportedly admitted on Monday, 5 October 2026, after attending a public appearance in Msinga.

When news of his hospitalisation first emerged, the MKP indicated that Zuma had been admitted for routine medical check-ups. However, statements from people close to the former president have raised questions about the nature of his condition.

## Khanya Zuma Confirms His Brother Is Unwell

Speaking to News24, Khanya confirmed that his older brother was ill and receiving treatment in hospital. He explained that he had last seen Zuma on a Monday, when the former president told him that he was not feeling well.

According to Khanya, Zuma did not appear seriously ill at the time, despite expressing concerns about his health.

“When I last saw him, he said, ‘Brother, I am not feeling well.’ But you could not tell that he was ill,” Khanya reportedly said.

Although he initially suggested that his brother’s condition might not have appeared severe, Khanya acknowledged that the situation was concerning. He also referred to information received by a younger family member who had been communicating with the hospital.

According to Khanya, the family member had been told by doctors that Zuma’s condition was not as bad as some reports suggested. These differing accounts have left questions about the former president’s current state of health.

## Reports Suggest Zuma Is Receiving Intensive Care

Sources close to Zuma have reportedly provided further details about his hospitalisation. A relative and a person familiar with his entourage told News24 that the former president was in the intensive care unit.

Another source indicated that government doctors had taken over his medical care.

However, the details surrounding Zuma’s condition have not been fully confirmed publicly, and no comprehensive medical statement outlining his diagnosis has been provided in the information available.

The reports have attracted attention because of Zuma’s prominent role in South African politics and his position as the founder and public face of the MKP.

## Hospitalisation Comes Ahead of Local Government Elections

Zuma’s hospitalisation comes just weeks before South Africa’s November 2026 local government elections. His presence remains important to the MKP, which relies heavily on his political profile and influence among its supporters.

His health could therefore affect the party’s public activities during a significant period on the political calendar, although the extent of any impact remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the former president has continued to attract public attention beyond politics. In a separate incident reported recently, his granddaughter shared a light-hearted video of the two spending time together at home in KwaZulu-Natal.

The video showed her asking Zuma questions about historical figures before proudly introducing him as her grandfather. The clip prompted positive reactions from social media users.

For now, the focus remains on Zuma’s recovery as his family and supporters await clearer information about his condition. Further updates from his family, medical representatives or the MKP may help clarify the circumstances surrounding his hospitalisation.