{
  "id": 13724256,
  "title": "Ntshavheni: Only Zuma’s doctors can pronounce on his health status, with his consent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/ntshavheni-only-zumas-doctors-can-pronounce-on-his-health-status-with",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T13:22:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/ntshavheni-urges-privacy-around-zumas-health/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has clarified that only Zuma's personal medical team can disclose his health status with his consent. The 84-year-old former president is currently receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. The MK party has stated that Zuma is \"healthy and in good spirits\" and that his campaign program will proceed as planned. President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously expressed his well wishes for Zuma's swift recovery. However, the government has now emphasized that it is exclusively his medical doctors who can comment on his health condition. Ntshavheni emphasized that discussing Zuma's health without his permission would violate his privacy. The KwaZulu-Natal MK party has condemned the spread of unverified claims, urging the public to seek updates directly from the party's national office. They stress the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and democratic accountability while respecting the dignity of President Zuma and his party.",
  "summary": "'The fact that a person holds a particular position in society does not entitle us to violate his privacy.'",
  "key_points": [
    "Only Zuma's personal medical team can disclose his health status with his consent.",
    "Zuma, 84, is receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.",
    "MK party asserts Zuma's health is good, campaign will continue as planned."
  ],
  "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."
}