{
  "id": 13067195,
  "title": "Zuma’s possible absence could reshape SA’s political landscape",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/zumas-possible-absence-could-reshape-sas-political-landscape",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T08:13:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/zumas-possible-absence-could-reshape-sas-political-landscape/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Concerns surrounding the health of former President Jacob Zuma have escalated following reports from sources close to the MK party leader, who have described his condition as \"very critical\". This news has raised questions about the future of the party, which has built much of its identity around Zuma. The 84-year-old is currently receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, with sources suggesting his health has significantly declined and remains at a \"very concerning stage\". The revelations have sent shockwaves through South Africa's political circles less than a month before local government elections, sparking debates over the MK party's ability to maintain its electoral momentum if its most influential figure were to be sidelined. The reports have also reignited discussions about internal strife within the party, with sources pointing to ongoing infighting that may have contributed to Zuma's stress. For a political movement that gained prominence during the 2024 general elections and reshaped KwaZulu-Natal's political landscape, Zuma's ill health poses more than a personal challenge; it threatens to test the strength, stability and future direction of the organization he helped create. Should Zuma pass away, political analyst André Duvenhage from North-West University believes the implications could be profound. \"There is no clarity about this position. We don't know the seriousness of it, and we aren't sure if it's only a regular process,\" Duvenhage said. However, he believes the situation may be more serious than publicly stated, adding that the party's influence, which has been closely tied to Zuma's popularity, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, could be drastically affected. Despite no longer holding public office, Duvenhage argues that Zuma continues to wield considerable influence. \"If we must try to identify the most influential politicians in the country, Jacob Zuma is most likely coming up number one or number two, at least among the top three politicians,\" Duvenhage stated. If Zuma were unable to campaign, the MK party would face significant challenges, including reassuring supporters, managing internal disputes and maintaining momentum during one of the most critical election periods in its history. The party's recent internal divisions and leadership instability have only added to the uncertainty. Duvenhage warned that Zuma's departure from active politics would not only impact the MK party but could also reshape the broader political landscape. \"If he is removed from politics in South Africa, this will bring a huge gap. It will also have major influences on other parties,\" Duvenhage said, predicting that rival parties such as the ANC and the IFP could benefit from the situation, especially in KwaZulu-Natal where political dominance is fiercely contested.",
  "summary": "Concerns over the health of former president Jacob Zuma have intensified",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}