Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to face charges related to her alleged incitement during the deadly July 2021 unrest. Zuma-Sambudla, a prominent member of the Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party and a current Member of Parliament, came under intense scrutiny for her social media activity during the unrest, particularly her posts encouraging the violence that unfolded in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
In the aftermath of her father’s imprisonment, following his conviction for contempt of court for failing to testify before the Zondo Commission, Zuma-Sambudla took to X (formerly Twitter) to share videos and images from the chaos. The posts, which included footage of burning trucks and rioting in the streets, were all accompanied by the hashtag #FreeJacobZuma. Her inflammatory language and celebratory tone, such as captions like “Amandla” and “We See You,” further fueled tensions in the already volatile situation. This prompted widespread criticism, as her posts were seen by many as an encouragement of the violence that led to over 350 deaths and millions of rands in damages from looting.
The MK Party, which has historically aligned itself with the Zuma family and its political interests, has expressed its strong support for Zuma-Sambudla in the run-up to her court appearance. The party’s leadership issued a call to its supporters, urging them to mobilize for a show of solidarity at the Durban Magistrate’s Court. The message, shared via social media, emphasized the significance of the day, with the MKP rally being framed as a key event for the party’s ground forces.
Zuma-Sambudla herself reposted the MK Party’s announcement, adding to the sense of anticipation surrounding her court appearance. She expressed her gratitude for what she described as an “opportunity we never asked for” to host a mini rally in support of her cause, rallying her supporters with the phrase “All roads lead to Court.”
In addition to her twin brother, Duduzane Zuma, who is expected to be present in the courtroom, Zuma-Sambudla will also be supported by prominent figures from the MK Party’s youth wing. The scene at the court is likely to be charged with emotions, as the Zuma family and its allies continue to stand by the controversial figure in the face of legal challenges.
As the case unfolds, it is clear that the 2021 unrest and its aftermath continue to cast a long shadow over South Africa’s political landscape. With Zuma-Sambudla’s court appearance drawing both intense public interest and significant political support, the upcoming days are expected to bring renewed debate over the role of social media in fueling public unrest, as well as the ongoing legacy of Jacob Zuma’s political influence.
