In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, the department said: "Medical parole's eligibility for Mr Zuma is impelled by a medical report received by the Department of Correctional Services. Apart from being terminally ill and physically incapacitated, inmates suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activity or self-care can also be considered for medical parole."

Zuma's medical parole means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, according to the statement.

"He must comply with a specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires."