‘I am well,’ says Zuma at MKP final rally following hospitalisation - News24

MK Party president Jacob Zuma made his first appearance at a political rally on Sunday since being discharged from hospital, using the party’s final election rally in KwaMashu, eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal to reassure supporters about his health, dismiss rumours of a possible arrest and renew his call for black South Africans to reclaim ancestral land.

Addressing supporters at Princess Magogo Stadium ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections, Zuma appeared frail as he approached the podium and initially seemed unsteady. He took the microphone from his son, Duduzane Zuma, who had introduced him to the crowd.

But moments later, the 84-year-old former president reverted to familiar campaign form.

Before beginning his speech, Zuma broke into song, prompting loud cheers from supporters.

When chants for him to sing his signature struggle song, Umshini wam, erupted from the crowd, he initially appeared unsure of what his supporters were calling for and giggled. He eventually joined in, leading the song while dancing across the stage as supporters sang along.

Jacob Zuma (84), leader of uMkhonto WeSizwe Party, dancing at the party’s final election rally at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, eThekwini. This is Zuma’s first public appearance since being discharged from a week-long stay in hospital. TCG pic.twitter.com/9exMdCFy1J

One of his wives, Bongi Ngema, watched from the front row, recording videos of him on her cellphone. Throughout the address, Duduzane Zuma remained close by, following him across the stage and standing behind him.

Sunday’s appearance marked Zuma’s return to the campaign trail after an almost month-long absence.

The MK Party (MKP) leader was admitted to Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg on 6 October after falling ill while addressing a campaign event in uMsinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal. He spent 11 days in hospital before being discharged on 17 October.

On Sunday, briefly addressing his health concerns, Zuma sought to reassure supporters.

“You must not worry about what is being said about me,” he said.

To emphasise his point, Zuma shook his shoulders, drawing applause from supporters.

“Some people might have their own ideas about me,” he added.

Zuma also addressed what he described as rumours that he could be arrested, although he did not provide evidence for the claim or specify its source.

He told supporters he had no fear of imprisonment.

“Don’t worry about that, and don’t be scared. There is nothing,” he said.

The MKP leader added that he had been arrested before and would not be intimidated by the prospect of going to jail.

For much of his address, Zuma returned to familiar political themes, focusing on land ownership and the need for black South Africans to unite.

He repeatedly told supporters that the land belonged to their ancestors and should be reclaimed.

The former president also launched a fresh attack on the government of national unity (GNU), accusing black political leaders participating in the arrangement of siding with former oppressors.

“What is that? The something U, I don’t know what it is. It’s a mystery,” Zuma said.

“We were oppressed by white people. Black people died, and white people died. People who fought for democracy joined forces with white people and are fighting us.

“Where have you had that? How can you sit with your enemy and call the enemy your brother?”

Zuma used the rally to urge supporters to turn out in large numbers for Wednesday’s local government elections.

“I am so happy that we have been able to see each other,” he said.

“All of us must go out and do what we said we are going to do. We are going to take our grandfathers’ land. The land is ours.”

He ended his address the same way he began it, leading supporters in another rendition of Umshini wam as the crowd sang and danced along.

Meanwhile, IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa addressed supporters at the party’s final election rally in Ulundi, urging voters not to give up on the democratic process despite widespread frustration with politicians.

Hlabisa said, “To everyone who feels disillusioned, to every person who has lost faith in politics, I say this: ‘Your disappointment is understandable. But do not let disappointment become surrender.’”

With campaigning now concluded, political parties have entered the final hours before voters head to the polls in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched local government elections since democracy.

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