ZUMA'S SON DIED FROM LUPUS : FAMILY

The 25-year-old son of South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma died from lupus‚ a family spokesperson has said.

Linda Makatini said in a statement that Vusi Nhlakanipho Zuma had died on Sunday after complications from the disease, which can cause chronic inflammation.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects many parts of the body, including the skin, joints and internal organs.

Lots of people can have the condition for a long time without knowing before they get a sudden flare-up.

The symptoms include extreme tiredness, rashes (especially on the face, wrists and hands) and joint pain and swelling.

Vusi Nhlakanipho was the youngest son of Mr Zuma and his late wife Kate Mantsho.

A source close to the former head of state told the BBC earlier this week that Mr Zuma was distraught over the passing of his son.

His funeral is expected take place on Saturday in Johannesburg. According to medical websites‚ lupus is an auto-immune disease. Normally‚ the immune system protects the body from infection. With lupus‚ however‚ the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues in various parts of the body. This abnormal activity leads to tissue damage and illness. bbc

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