Mchunu given the ‘all clear’ after fainting
KZN Premier Willies Mchunu was all smiles as he addressed the media yesterday, a few hours after he suffered a blackout at the podium while delivering his State of the Province Address in Pietermaritzburg.
Mchunu apologised to King Goodwill Zwelithini, all those who attended the event, and to all South Africans who watched the drama unfold, saying that doctors at Grey’s Hospital had given him the all clear to return to the venue.
“As soon as I got water and fresh air, I felt better. By the time I got to hospital I was already my own physical self,” he said.
“The doctors checked everything, even my heart challenges, and they gave me the all clear. There is no need to panic.
‘‘That’s why I came back to finish off what I started, but the MEC for Economic Development had already finished my speech,” he joked.
Earlier, Mchunu was almost halfway into his speech when he said, “I have a challenge,” and called on MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, to continue with the address.
Confusion reigned at the Royal Showgrounds hall when Mchunu was whisked away from the podium after he appeared to have collapsed. Paramedics rushed to help him and he was taken to a waiting ambulance.
ANC provincial secretary, Mdumiseni Ntuli, held a press conference after the address, saying that Mchunu had experienced difficulty breathing while delivering the address.
“It is common knowledge that the premier has not been well and Zikalala, on certain occasions, has acted as the premier. We had a telephone discussion with the premier and he is doing well.
‘‘We would like to thank all emergency medical staff who responded to this unforeseen emergency, and all those who prayed and rallied around the premier when he needed support.”
Mchunu said he would attend and participate in today’s debate on his State of the Province Address.
“I don’t foresee any recurrence of what happened today.
‘‘I will be continuing with my work,” he said.
“I have been through detention and other traumatising things. For me work has been demanding, but I am able to do it.”
Mchunu, whose term as premier has come to an end, was asked for his thoughts on retirement.
He responded by saying that he is looking forward to retirement.
“However, there is no real retirement from politics. I will be working politically among our people, but this will be at my own pace, which will be different from the day-to-day demands of political office.”