Ntshavheni asks public to respect Zuma's privacy in hospital
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni declined to give details of former president Jacob Zuma's condition at a media briefing on Sunday. She said the surgeon-general is overseeing his medical care.
Ntshavheni said public interest in Zuma's health does not override his privacy. She said it is a violation of privacy to ask the government to comment on his health. She said information should come from his doctors and family, and that the public should not speculate.
Ntshavheni said: "It's only his medical doctors that can pronounce on his health status and health conditions with his consent." She said Zuma is under the care of the Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force, as protocols for former heads of state require. She said President Cyril Ramaphosa assigned the surgeon-general to lead the process.
Reports said Zuma was admitted to St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. They said he fell ill during an MK Party electioneering drive in Msinga. People close to the family said he remained in a critical condition. The government did not confirm this.
Key facts
- Who
- Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency); Jacob Zuma (former President); Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force (medical care team for Zuma); Cyril Ramaphosa (President)
- What
- Ntshavheni said Zuma's health information should come from his doctors and family and that the public should not speculate about it. She said Zuma is under the medical care of the Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force, as official protocols for former heads of state dictate.
- When
- 11 October 2026
- Where
- St Anne's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, Msinga
- Status
- Reported