JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma was on Saturday admitted to hospital for tests, his office announced.
“Doctors are satisfied with his condition,” his office said in a statement without giving details of his ailment.
But on Friday Zuma “was advised to rest following a demanding election and transition programme to the new administration,” the presidency said.
Two weeks ago, the 72-year-old Zuma was sworn in for second term after his African National Congress (ANC) party won the May 7 elections with an overwhelming 62% of the vote.
On Friday the South African presidency had said Zuma would take a few days of rest.
“President Jacob Zuma will take a few days off from public engagements while continuing to perform official duties from home,” spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
“The president is in need of a rest following a demanding election and transition programme to the new administration.”
Zuma would still officiate at the swearing-in ceremony for newly-appointed Science and Technology Deputy minister Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi on Friday evening. Earlier, the African National Congress said in a statement its leadership had decided Zuma should take a break.
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Secretary-general Gwede Mantashe later told reporters at the ANC’s lekgotla in Irene, outside Pretoria, Zuma was being given time off to recover from a gruelling election programme.
“The president is exhausted. The election was punishing,” he said.
Zuma was given time to recover before he held a Cabinet lekgotla this week.
— Online
