Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has found herself at the center of controversy within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party after a fiery outburst against party secretary general, Floyd Shivambu. In a now-infamous post on X, she told Shivambu to “f*** off” and labeled him the worst thing to ever happen to the MK Party. Her comments were met with immediate backlash, both from party supporters and leadership. She was swiftly reprimanded, with a clear ultimatum: issue an apology or face expulsion from the party.
The tensions surrounding Zuma-Sambudla’s behavior have reignited criticism about her political acumen. Supporters of the MK Party were quick to point out her lack of political education, arguing that her privileged position, thanks to her father’s legacy, has given her undue influence. “Duduzile Zuma has no political education. She’s going to destroy all the work that has gone into building the MK Party. She thinks the party is some family stokvel. Wait and see,” one X user, MbawoLive, remarked. The sentiment echoed across social media, with many questioning her qualifications to hold any significant role in the political landscape.
Among the dissenting voices, some suggested that Zuma-Sambudla’s actions were reflective of a deeper problem within the party—one of nepotism and power struggles. “She’s enjoying her father’s hard labour with that Parliamentary MK Party gig,” said Nala Thokozane, emphasizing her lack of experience in the political arena. The MK Party’s supporters, however, remain largely loyal to Shivambu, rallying behind him and accusing Zuma-Sambudla of undermining the party’s credibility. “Floyd Shivambu will lead the MK Party. They failed to tarnish his image, and they will fail to infiltrate us,” posted one supporter, Patricia Bantom, in a clear show of solidarity with the embattled secretary general.
In response to Zuma-Sambudla’s provocations, other members of the MK Party voiced their frustration. Mxolisi Thango, for example, reminded her that her familial ties did not grant her any special privileges within the party. “Because President Jacob Zuma is your father doesn’t make you better than everyone. You’re not MK Party, you’re a member like all of us. Stop destroying the MK Party,” he said, underscoring the importance of unity and respect for party rules.
Further fueling the fire, several detractors pointed to Zuma-Sambudla’s role in the disruption of the MK Party’s unity. One critic, Bafana Surprise, argued that she had created total chaos, calling the MK Party a “stockvel,” and suggesting that Shivambu had wasted his political career by aligning himself with a party that was now being destabilized. “Duduzile gets to remind him that he will never be accepted!” the user posted, suggesting that her influence had turned the MK Party into something more akin to a family business than a serious political entity.
As tensions continue to rise, the MK Party finds itself at a crossroads, torn between loyalty to its leadership and the divisive impact of Zuma-Sambudla’s actions. Whether or not she will issue the required apology remains to be seen, but it is clear that the young Zuma-Sambudla’s place in the MK Party is far from secure. The unfolding drama has raised questions about the future direction of the MK Party, with many wondering if the party’s potential will be overshadowed by the growing influence of its more controversial figures.
