A new chapter in South Africa’s long-running Zuma saga is unfolding as Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, prepares to stand trial on terrorism-related charges linked to the 2021 riots. The 43-year-old politician is accused of inciting public violence through her social media posts during the deadly unrest that rocked KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, leaving more than 300 people dead and causing an estimated $2.8 billion in damages.
Prosecutors allege that Zuma-Sambudla’s online activity played a central role in fueling the chaos that erupted after her father was jailed for contempt of court in 2021. At the time, she posted videos of burning vehicles and looting, using hashtags such as #FreeJacobZuma and slogans like “Amandla” and “Azishe,” which authorities claim encouraged her followers to escalate the unrest.
Charged under South Africa’s Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, she faces counts of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to public violence. Zuma-Sambudla has denied all allegations, calling the case politically motivated and describing the state’s evidence as “weak.”
Now an MP for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, founded by her father after breaking away from the ANC, Zuma-Sambudla has dismissed the trial as a vendetta against her family. Her public appearances and vocal defense of her father have made her one of his most visible allies in recent years.
Born in Mozambique while her father was in exile, Zuma-Sambudla grew up with her twin brother Duduzane Zuma, both among Jacob Zuma’s most recognized children. Once known for her glamorous lifestyle and high-profile marriage to businessman Lonwabo Sambudla, Duduzile has since reinvented herself as a political figure fiercely loyal to her father.
As her trial begins, all eyes are on the South African judiciary to see whether the case will set a precedent for how the country handles social media incitement and political accountability in the digital age.
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