Zuma foundation reports improvement in former president's condition

Former South African president Jacob Zuma is recovering in hospital and in good spirits, his foundation says. It has not disclosed a diagnosis or discharge date.

Zuma was admitted to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg last week. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi told SABC that someone who visited him at about 3pm on Sunday reported that he was cheerful, joking and asking about upcoming events.

Manyi thanked members of the public wishing Zuma well and renewed his appeal for privacy. He expressed particular concern about journalists gathering outside the hospital.

The foundation also thanked the government for calling for medical confidentiality. At an October 11 briefing, South Africa's Presidency confirmed that Zuma was receiving medical care and asked that questions about his health be left to his doctors, family and the patient himself.

The foundation's statement provides its representatives' account of his wellbeing. It does not announce the completion of treatment or a return to public activities.