South Africa: Former President Zuma’s youngest son dies after short illness

Vusi Nhlakanipho Zuma, the youngest of the five children of South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, passed away in Johannesburg after succumbing to a short illness. He was reportedly admitted in a private hospital, where he breathed his last on Sunday evening. He was 25. His siblings include the well-known twins Duduzane and Duduzile.

President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the family of Jacob Zuma on the sudden demise of his son. “Words cannot adequately express the pain of losing such a young family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zuma family at this time and we wish the Lord give former President Zuma strength. May the son’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

In another unfortunate incident, Cacisile Gumede, a branch executive committee member of the African National Congress (ANC) was shot dead in her homestead in the KwaXimba Village, west of Durban on Saturday.

ANC in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday said it was deeply shocked at the untimely deaths of two young lives; who they described as true patriots and astute activists.

“This is a sad loss to the people, to many young people of our province, the entire movement and the alliance. We will remember both these activists as young bright minds with warmth and compassion. Cde Cacisile was very passionate about the work of the ANC with a clear mind of working for the betterment of the lives of our people. Equally, we know Cde Nhlakanipho as a disciplined activist of our movement.  He always put the interests of other people before his,” ANC provincial task team coordinator, Sihle Zikalala said.