The government is appealing to the public and the media to cease speculating about the health condition of former president Jacob Zuma, who has been admitted to a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
With little to no information formally shared, media outlets and members of the public have been left to speculate, while Zuma’s new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), insists that he is in hospital only for a routine check-up.
Questions about Zuma’s health arose during Sunday’s media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration in Pretoria, with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni urging the nation to give him space.
Ntshavheni cautioned that Zuma’s public role as a former head of state and leader of a political party did not diminish his right to privacy.
“I need to indicate the health status of Baba Zuma. He is under the care of the Surgeon General, and you know the ethical requirements. Only his medical doctors can comment on his health status and medical condition, with his consent. So, nobody should continuously be asking us whether we must comment on his health status,” said Ntshavheni, emphasising the government’s reluctance to comment on the former president’s condition.
The minister assured the public that Zuma was receiving the best possible treatment, including care from the country’s Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Dr Nsizwa Skosana.
“He is being treated by doctors. The President has also assigned the Surgeon General to lead that process, and therefore, we must leave those questions to the medical team, the family and President Zuma. You should know that it is a violation of privacy.
“The fact that a person holds a particular position in society does not entitle us to violate their privacy. Thank you very much. On that note, let me invite the chair of the IMC, who will then take the honour of closing the briefing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi accused the government of neglecting the former president, claiming that his home in Nkandla was in poor condition and that his official vehicle fleet was ageing.
“If President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Presidency are genuinely committed to the well-being and dignity of His Excellency President Jacob Zuma, this commitment should be reflected in practical and meaningful action.
“The proper maintenance of the Nkandla homestead, through the relevant public works structures, and the replacement of his ageing fleet are matters that warrant serious consideration.
“Regardless of political differences, respect for former heads of state and the preservation of their dignity should remain important principles of our constitutional democracy.
“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by words, but by the consistency with which principles are translated into action.
“There is much more that could be said on this matter, but the central point remains: dignity, respect and due care for former heads of state should be demonstrated through responsible and tangible action,” Manyi said.
Manyi also shared a poster that he claimed showed how the state had gone out of its way to provide care for former president Nelson Mandela when he was ill.