Duduzane Zuma has declared that his father, former South African president Jacob Zuma, will return to the Union Buildings after the 2029 national elections, expressing confidence that the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party will eventually take power nationally.
Duduzane, who serves as the MK Party’s first deputy president, made the remarks while addressing party supporters at a mini-rally in Umgababa, south of Durban, on Sunday, 18 October.
He said his father still had a role to play in South African politics despite the challenges he had faced, insisting that Jacob Zuma would return to lead the country.
“Do you know who the president in 2029 is going to be? Baba Jacob Zuma,” Duduzane told supporters.
He also expressed confidence that the party would secure a two-thirds majority, beginning with the upcoming local government elections before turning its attention to the 2029 national elections.
The remarks come amid renewed attention on Jacob Zuma’s health following his recent hospitalisation. The MK Party said he had undergone a routine medical check-up and required a period of rest under medical supervision.
Duduzane has maintained that his father remains involved in the party’s decision-making and is expected to resume his campaign activities ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
Jacob Zuma served as South Africa’s president from 2009 until his resignation in February 2018. He later became the leader of the MK Party, which was established in 2023 and emerged as a significant political force in the 2024 national elections.
Duduzane’s statement sets out the party leadership’s ambition for the 2029 elections. However, Jacob Zuma’s return to the presidency remains a political aspiration expressed by his son, rather than a confirmed electoral outcome.
