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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces landmark terrorism trial over 2021 unrest tweets
The 43-year-old daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma will stand trial this week on charges of inciting terrorism and public violence through social media posts during the deadly 2021 protests. The case marks the first time South Africa has prosecuted someone for alleged online incitement of terrorism, raising questions about political motivations and the strength of the state's evidence.
The 2021 unrest and Zuma-Sambudla's alleged role
The charges stem from a week of violent protests in July 2021, triggered by Jacob Zuma's imprisonment for defying a corruption inquiry. The unrest, concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, resulted in at least 300 deaths and an estimated $2.8 billion in damages. Prosecutors accuse Zuma-Sambudla of using her social media platform-then with over 100,000 followers-to encourage further violence.
Among the evidence are tweets featuring images of looting and arson, including a video of a burning vehicle transporter at Mooi Plaza, a tollgate in KwaZulu-Natal. In one post, she wrote, "Mooi Plaza...We See You!!! Amandla," accompanied by three fist emojis. Another tweet shared a poster calling for a "shut down" of the province, using the Zulu word "azishe," which can mean "let it burn" or "let it proceed."
A politically charged prosecution
Zuma-Sambudla, now a member of parliament for the opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), has denied the charges, calling the prosecution politically motivated. Her lawyer dismissed the state's case as "weak," while analysts suggest the trial could be an indirect attempt to target her father, Jacob Zuma, who left the African National Congress (ANC) to lead MK.
"If she wasn't the daughter of the former president, chances are these charges would have been dropped a long time ago," said political science professor Bheki Mngomezulu.
The delay in charging Zuma-Sambudla-nearly four years after the unrest-has also drawn scrutiny. The police's elite Hawks unit confirmed her arrest only in January 2025, and fewer than a dozen cases related to the 2021 violence have reached court. The South African Human Rights Commission noted that 66 potential cases remain under review, hampered by a "lack of evidence" and witness reluctance due to fears of reprisal.
Legal challenges and public interest
Legal experts highlight the difficulty of proving intent in social media posts. Willem Els of the Institute for Security Studies noted that prosecutors must demonstrate a direct link between Zuma-Sambudla's tweets and acts of violence-a "high evidentiary bar." The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has acknowledged the case's complexity, enlisting external social media experts to bolster its argument.
The trial is expected to draw significant public attention, further embedding the Zuma family in South Africa's political narrative. MK has condemned the charges as a "social injustice" and "political ploy," while supporters may rally around Zuma-Sambudla as a symbol of resistance.
Background: From private life to political prominence
Born in Mozambique during her father's exile, Zuma-Sambudla largely avoided the spotlight until her father's legal troubles escalated. Once known for her lavish 2011 wedding and private family life, she emerged as Jacob Zuma's staunchest defender, frequently appearing at his court hearings and political events. Her rise in MK-despite her lack of prior political experience-has cemented her influence within the party, though she holds no formal leadership role.
Beyond politics, Zuma-Sambudla's social media presence blends fitness routines, personal updates, and occasional jabs at opponents. Her trial, experts say, will test South Africa's legal framework for addressing online incitement while navigating the fraught intersection of free speech, political vendettas, and accountability for the 2021 unrest.
