Durban - National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi is recovering “very well”, and according to a source close to her, she has even resumed some of her government ministerial duties at her state home in Pretoria.
KaMagwaza-Msibi collapsed at her home in Newcastle late last year. She was then admitted to MediClinic before she was transferred to Ethekwini Hospital in Durban. Her disappearance left the party riddled with infighting over the control of its budget.
The source said that although the former IFP chairwoman, who defected to form her own political party, was still weak, she was on her way to recovery.
“She is back at work, although she is working behind the scenes,” the source said.
Attempts to call KaMagwaza-Msibi were unsuccessful.
Her husband, Mandla Msibi, said that although she had recovered, she would not fully return to political and government activities without her doctor’s permission.
“She is not going to appear in public any time soon. I cannot say when is she going to appear as we are waiting for the doctor to give her the go-ahead,” said Msibi.
Another source said KaMagwaza-Msibi had changed her cellphone number to avoid calls.
“She does not want certain people in the party leadership to know how she is recovering because there are suspicions that they were behind her illness,” the source said.
KaMagwaza-Msibi is the deputy minister of science and technology. Her spokesman, Canaan Mdletshe, said she was in Pretoria, but denied that she was back at work.
“Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi is recuperating well, and the doctors are satisfied with her progress. While she is eager to return to work, the medical team has not yet indicated when they are likely to allow this,” he said.
Another source said that before she became ill, the squabble had already started and she was hurt by it.
The party is divided into a camp led by national chairman Maliyakhe Shelembe, and another led by eThekwini councillor Wiseman Mcoyi.
The source said that after noticing her recovery, the party had started planning a “mother of all rallies” to welcome her back.
He said the rally, which was planned to take place in Gauteng, would accommodate both factions with the aim of forging unity.
“She can now walk and talk. She often comes to Durban. A few days ago she was at the Shembe Church’s Ebuhleni Palace to visit Inkosi (Mduduzi Shembe), as they are related. She kept a very low profile,” the source said.
The Mercury