Outgoing KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu returned to the Pietermaritzburg Showgrounds just before 2pm on Wednesday after dramatically fainting on stage while delivering his State of the Province Address (Sopa) earlier.
While making his speech the morning, Mchunu suddenly handed over to the leader of government business, Sihle Zikalala.
“Madam Speaker, may I pause here to request the leader of government business to continue on my behalf. I have a challenge,” said Mchunu, who looked pale.
Seconds later his eyes closed and he started swaying.
He was immediately assisted and shocked people kept on saying, “In the name of Jesus.”
After Mchunu had been whisked away to hospital, MEC for Health Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo said they were aware Mchunu was “unwell”, but that he appears to have recovered after his fainting spell.
“When he went into the car he was walking. It was an oversight that he needed some water [on the stage] to rehydrate himself,” said Dhlomo.
At a press briefing after the Sopa, ANC KwaZulu-Natal secretary, Mdumiseni Ntuli, said he believed the premier would be back on his feet soon and “proceeding with leading the province”.