Latest news with #DuduzileZuma-Sambudla
The South African
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Housewife to 'Hottest MP': Duduzile Zuma's qualifications revealed
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – the daughter of Jacob Zuma and supposed arch nemesis of Floyd Shivambu – is widely known for her shock X rants and raunchy TikTok videos. But what qualifications does the self-proclaimed 'hottest member of parliament' have? Since taking up rank in the MK Party, the mother-of-two has been criticised for her lack of political experience and general knowledge. She has also been accused of abusing drugs – allegations she has yet to address. Duduzile is the twin sister of Duduzane, who has also gone into politics. Their mother – the late Kate Mantsho – died in 2000 in an alleged suicide. After being indirectly embarrassed by Floyd Shivambu, all eyes are on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's next move. While some await another heated X rant, others want to know how Zuma's daughter is qualified to govern in the MK Party's inner core management. Speaking to DJ Warras on The Shady Podcast last year, Duduzile revealed that she had no political experience. While she graduated from Wits Business School – for a qualification she did not disclose – she considered herself a stay-at-home mom and housewife. Did Floyd Shivambu accuse Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla of taking drugs? Images via X: @floydshivambu @ZumaSambudla/ In the lead-up to the official launch of the MK Party, Duduzile embarked on her first political campaign with her father, Jacob Zuma. She said of politics, 'I love it. I have a bit of understanding of it now.' When asked if she was considered MK Party top brass, she confidently added: 'My father is the head. But I am the neck.' She added: 'I sit in the core. I vote with other comrades; we make decisions, we debate.' Amid the public criticism, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla urged South Africans to give her a chance to prove herself. During last year's vote count, the estranged wife of Lonwaba Sambudla was ridiculed over her comments about the MK Party's mission. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Duduzile was questioned on what the MK Party could offer South Africans. She responded: 'The same kind of government that we had under President Jacob Zuma, those amazing nine years, very similar. Speaking to the Sowetan , Duduzile Zuma was again questioned on the agenda of the MK Party. She said: 'Doing what the President said under his economy, which is great. We will just go back to that. Because the economy under Cyril Ramaphosa was dismal'. When asked to elaborate on two key points in their economic plan, Duduzile responded: 'We'll probably look at things like the repo rate to assist in bringing down food prices or whatever. Things to alleviate poverty and too much strain on the pocket of the people'. In the midst of it, Duduzile told the Daily Maverick: 'It is something I'm still learning and overwhelmed by. But happy to be here and part of the change the country and the world needs.' Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's history with the controversial Gupta family is no secret. Both Duduzile and her twin Duduzane were hired to work for the brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh's Sahara Group company. The daughter of Jacob Zuma was given the title of director at Sahara Computers in 2008, months before he was elected president of South Africa. She later resigned amid public scrutiny. The brothers – who alongside Zuma's son Duduzane were accused of fraudulently securing government tenders – have since fled South Africa amid charges of treason, racketeering, extortion, fraud, and forgery. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
'Take drugs, tweet nonsense': Floyd Shivambu fires shots at Duduzile?
Without naming her, former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu took shots at his political party nemesis, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, whom he has accused of taking drugs. The shock comment was made during a briefing on Thursday, 19 June. In February, Duduzile was forced to apologise over her foul-mouthed X rant directed at Floyd. During the surprise briefing, Floyd Shivambu addressed several topics, including an interest in possibly establishing his own political party. The former MK Party Secretary-General also used the opportunity to making shady comments about being members of the ANC, which he claimed was 'run by scoundrels' and the EFF, which he labelled a 'cult'. Referring to his own party, Floyd Shivambu made a comment many believe was directed at Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of the founder, Jacob Zuma. He said, 'When you raise issues internally, you don't need to gossip about them anywhere. All the issues and concerns I had about MK, I raised internally, even against all odds. When there is an opportunity to raise an issue about wrongdoings. I clearly speak against untouchables who take drugs, tweet at night, and insult us.' He added: 'We confront them and say 'What is this about?'' In February, Duduzile apologised to MK Party members over an expletive-ridden X rant, in which she tagged Floyd Shivambu. In it, she called out Floyd for not being a founding member of the MK Party, which he joined after ditching the EFF. Floyd has since been stripped of his position as MK Party's Secretary General after he bragged about visiting Prophet Shepard Bushiri. Floyd Shivambu is not the only person who has hinted about Duduzile Zuma Sambudla's alleged drug use. The X account @Goolam – known for its controversial political views – claimed that Dudu was known as a 'party animal' and frequented Posting about her bitter 2017 split from husband Lonwabo Sambudla, the account tweeted: 'She lives in a house worth R20 Million. She lives an extremely extravagant lifestyle. The 42-year-old Duduzile is a regular fixture at top nightclubs around Sandton. She is a party animal. 'She allegedly spends hundreds of thousands of rands at these venues ordering bottles of champagne and other alcoholic beverages. Many allegations of her and cocaine, but that's a story for another day'. In 2021, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was accused of encouraging the July unrest, where properties and stores around the country were looted, vandalised, and torched. During the period, over 70 people are reported to have died in violent confrontations. The daughter of the former president retweeted several videos of the violence, which was a direct reaction to her father's incarceration on contempt-of-court charges shortly before. Floyd Shivambu and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in happier times. Image via X: @floydshivambu Duduzile was later charged with contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence. She will appear in the Durban High Court again on 14 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WhatsApp group linked to July 2021 unrest lands four in court
The Hawks confirmed that more arrests are imminent. The Roodepoort Magistrates Court has granted R1 500 bail each to four suspects who appeared for incitement to commit public violence in connection with the July 2021 unrest. Bekuyise Cebekhulu, 58, from KwaZulu-Natal; Jimmy Sibeko, 44; Busisiwe Skhosana, 52; and Bogadi Mahisa, 49, from Gauteng, made their first appearance before the court on Tuesday morning. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) authorised arrest warrants for the suspects, who then handed themselves over through their legal representatives. Bail for suspected instigators of July 2021 unrest The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said they arrested the four suspects in connection with the unrest that took place in July 2021. The unrest in 2021 resulted in more than 350 people losing their lives and cost R50 billion in damages. The protests, violence, and looting erupted across the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng provinces following the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. ALSO READ: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla wants terrorism charges dropped as trial dates set Hawks' spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects, who were allegedly supporters of Zuma, participated in a WhatsApp group named ZUMA REAL ACTIVIST 100% and other chat groups on the platform. 'They'd post inciting messages which it is believed to have led to the public violence as well as the looting of retail stores in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal at the time,' Mogale said. The Hawks' Serious Organised Crime, Crimes Against the State (CATS) in Gauteng carried out extensive investigations. Accused of fuelling the unrest through WhatsApp messages Upon completion of the investigations, the DPP decided to prosecute those who posted messages which led to the unrest. The Roodepoort Magistrates Court granted Cebekhulu, Sibeko, Skhosana and Mahisa bail of R1 500 each. The suspects are expected to appear in court again on 2 July. Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, welcomed the arrests and commended the investigating team. ALSO READ: Will your insurance cover loss and damage due to civil unrest? 'DPCI shall continue to secure in court the attendance of anyone against whom sufficient evidence of committing a national priority offence is obtained, without fear, favour or prejudice,' Maj Gen Kadwa said. The Hawks confirmed that more arrests are imminent. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla charged with terrorism The former president's daughter and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is also a suspect. She appeared at the Durban Magistrate's Court in January. In January last year, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found there was no discernible connection between Zuma's incarceration and the violent unrest that occurred in July 2021. The SAHRC concluded that the timing of the events of the July unrest 'coincided' with Zuma's jailing and, therefore, 'it could not find evidence to link the two events'. NOW READ: July unrest: Ex-security guard sentenced to 20 years in jail for killing Verulam father
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla: Ex-South African president Jacob Zuma's daughter faces terrorism charges
The daughter of ex-South African president Jacob Zuma has appeared in court after being charged over her alleged involvement in July 2021 riots, which left over 300 people dead. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is accused of inciting others to carry out violent acts through her social media posts that month. The 42-year-old, who is a member of parliament, handed herself into a police station in the eastern city of Durban on Thursday morning. She faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence under a law that deals with threats to the state, prosecutors say. The MP is accused of urging protesters to cause more damage during the riots as a sign of support for her father. She was later released on warning - similar to bail but without a money payment - as her case was moved to a higher court to continue in March. Her lawyer said she did make social media posts on what was then known as Twitter related to the riots but denied they incited violence. The unrest broke out four years ago after her father, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to testify at a government corruption inquiry. The violence was also partly down to poverty, inequality and frustrations over South Africa's COVID-19 lockdown measures at the time. Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, who leads the Hawks special police unit, said the arrest was "a result of a meticulous investigation... following the unrest that brought the country to a standstill in 2021". Around 350 people died in the demonstrations, as thousands of shops were looted, more than 5,000 people were arrested, and over £1.5bn of damage was caused. It marked some of the worst civil unrest in South Africa since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994. Zuma, 82, also appeared in court on Thursday, while supporters of his uMKhonto weSizwe (MK) Party gathered outside. He served two months in prison for contempt of court but has also been charged with corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering over an arms deal the South African government signed with a French arms maker in 1999. He denies any wrongdoing. Read more from Sky News: The former president founded the new party in 2024, years after he was expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) party for being jailed. In last year's election, MK won 14.6% of the vote, as the ruling ANC had its worst-ever result.
Sky News
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla: Ex-South African president Jacob Zuma's daughter faces terrorism charges
The daughter of ex-South African president Jacob Zuma has appeared in court after being charged over her alleged involvement in July 2021 riots, which left over 300 people dead. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is accused of inciting others to carry out violent acts through her social media posts that month. The 42-year-old, who is a member of parliament, handed herself into a police station in the eastern city of Durban on Thursday morning. She faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence under a law that deals with threats to the state, prosecutors say. The MP is accused of urging protesters to cause more damage during the riots as a sign of support for her father. She was later released on warning - similar to bail but without a money payment - as her case was moved to a higher court to continue in March. Her lawyer said she did make social media posts on what was then known as Twitter related to the riots but denied they incited violence. The unrest broke out four years ago after her father, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to testify at a government corruption inquiry. The violence was also partly down to poverty, inequality and frustrations over South Africa's COVID-19 lockdown measures at the time. 1:47 Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, who leads the Hawks special police unit, said the arrest was "a result of a meticulous investigation... following the unrest that brought the country to a standstill in 2021". Around 350 people died in the demonstrations, as thousands of shops were looted, more than 5,000 people were arrested, and over £1.5bn of damage was caused. It marked some of the worst civil unrest in South Africa since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994. 2:44 Zuma, 82, also appeared in court on Thursday, while supporters of his uMKhonto weSizwe (MK) Party gathered outside. He served two months in prison for contempt of court but has also been charged with corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering over an arms deal the South African government signed with a French arms maker in 1999. He denies any wrongdoing. The former president founded the new party in 2024, years after he was expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) party for being jailed. In last year's election, MK won 14.6% of the vote, as the ruling ANC had its worst-ever result.
