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The South African
16 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 Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
17-year-old Pearl Mathebula wins Miss Teen International in Peru
Mathebula participated in the international teen pageant after winning Miss Teenager South Africa in late 2024. Most South Africans were still mesmerised by the Protea Fire on Sunday, but 17-year-old Pearl Mathebula hoisted the flag as she was crowned Miss Teen International in Peru on the same day. Mathebula, who hails from Makotopong, in Limpopo, took the coveted crown ahead of Perú's Luciana Henriquez, who was the first runner-up, and Ángela García from Venezuela, who was the second runner-up. Miss Teen International is the brainchild of Marina Mora, its international director and organiser. Mathebula participated in the international teen pageant after winning the South African version of the teen crown in late 2024. ALSO READ: Miss World to crown new queen this weekend: Here's where and how to watch Mathebula's perseverance Mathebula won Miss Teenager South Africa in 2024 after being unsuccessful in the previous year, where she reached the top 10 of the 2023 edition. 'I'm very proud; it shows that my hard work has actually paid off at the end of the day,' said Mathebula in 2024 during an interview with Newzroom Afrika. The pageant-winning teen only started competing in pageantry competitions in 2022. 'Last year [2023] was my second pageant. I wasn't disappointed when I ended up [in the] top 10.' She got into pageantry from following her interest in her appearance from a young age. 'I loved modelling when I was very small. I always wore my mom's heals, I love dressing up, doing makeup, so I think that's how I knew modelling was meant for me. My mom said 'focus on school, and then when you're in high school, you can focus more on modelling',' she said. Mathebula is an advocate for body positivity. NOW READ: Miss World 2025 – Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg wins World Designer Award for Africa
The South African
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ntokozo Makhaza: I got a call from an unknown number
Ntokozo Makhaza stands on the brink of history, after receiving a maiden Springbok call up last week. Makhaza first made headlines when he was first named in the second alignment camp squad by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Often known for his 'genius' rugby ideas and strategies, Erasmus pulled another one out of the hat with Makhaza. The 2x World Cup winning mentor had done something similar before. This time last year, he called up former NWU Pukke Varsity Cup winning captain Sampie Swiegers . Starring at what was looking like a brewing tighthead prop crisis, Eramsus turned to the burly star for cover. But in the end, it was just for cover. But with Makhaza, while many were expecting a similar situation, it proved different. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika 's Yolulwe Qoshe in Durban, he describes how he found out about his Springbok alignment camp call. 'I think I was overjoyed. I obviously, initially got the text from my coach, like two days before we won the Varsity Cup (with UCT Ikeys). Him telling me that, Rassie Erasmus asked for my number, at first I thought he was joking. Only for him to say no, he is being honest and telling the truth. And then from then on I was just overjoyed. I think everyday for a month after that, I was expecting that call from him, which I didn't get.' Makhaza recalls. Makhaza then remembers the moment things seemed to change in his favour, with that Springbok call finally coming! ' Until this one morning, I got a call from an unknown number, picked it up and it was Rassie (Erasmus). In that moment, I don't remember half the conversation, I was just overjoyed! But it's also very inspiring, to have someone like him looking at Varsity rugby, a 2x World Cup winner. Sees something in me' Makhaza continued. Makhaza relieves the moment he walked into the alignment camp, wearing the same Springbok tracksuit as some World Cup winners. ' I felt humbled and honoured I was like, 'is this really me? Being in the presence of all these players who have made a name for themselves in rugby. World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi. I mean, I even remember the people I was sitting around. In front of me was (Damian) Willemse, to his right was Kolisi, to his right was (Eben) Etzebeth, behind me was (Lukhanyo) Am, (Aphelele) Fassi, Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi' recalled Makhaza about being in the presence of experienced Springboks. 'In that moment I tried to pinch myself, I look down, I was wearing a Springbok top and I was like, is this really me, being in this environment. But it was a very welcoming experience. I never felt left out in anyway. That's just credit to the culture that they have and it made me want to be a part of it more' Makhaza continued. The 23-year-old Bethlehem-born star could be set for a historic feat. This by becoming the first player to be capped by the Springboks before playing a professional game. Makhaza says achieving that would mean the world to himself and his family. 'It would probably feel unreal at that moment but, it would be a testament to what people have done for me. The support that they've given me, my parents, my coaches, teammates, teachers and all my mentors along the way. So if I was to ever make that team it would be testament to their hard work, not just mine.' He concluded. Watch the video below: Makhaza's first opportunity for a Springbok debut will be against the Barbarians on the 28th of June. Should Erasmus give the Varsity Cup's top points scorer of all time a debut? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The Herald
12-06-2025
- Climate
- The Herald
Eight bodies recovered from school bus swept away by Mthatha floods
At least eight bodies have been recovered after a school bus was swept away by floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, officials said on Wednesday. South Africa has been lashed by heavy rain and snow since the weekend, in a severe winter cold front which disrupted transport and power networks. 'It is a sad thing and the search is still going on,' Eastern Cape community safety official Xolile Nqatha told Newzroom Afrika. Three children were rescued from the bus, President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said. 'President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents,' a statement said. Flooding has become more common and severe in South Africa as the impacts of climate change are felt. A storm on the east coast in April 2022 killed about 400 people and left thousands homeless. Reuters
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Search resumes for schoolchildren swept away by South Africa floods
The search for schoolchildren swept away in floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has resumed after being halted overnight, officials have said. The children were on their way to school in the town of Mthatha when their bus was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge on Tuesday morning. Officials said three students were later rescued, but it was unclear how many pupils were on the bus, which has since been found on a riverbank with no-one inside. An unconfirmed report by private TV station Newzroom Afrika says the bodies of 10 children and the driver have now been found further downstream. Public broadcaster SABC reported that the three children who were rescued on Tuesday were found clinging to trees. On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the scene to witness rescue efforts, and to meet affected communities. He told Newzroom Afrika that while the situation was a "difficult one", he was "quite happy" with the response of the emergency services. South Africa has been hit by heavy snow, rains and gale force winds that have officially claimed the lives of 14 people, nine from the floods and five in a road accident. Nearly 500,000 homes were left without electricity on Tuesday - and state-owned power provider Eskom says efforts are being made to restore connections. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families of those who died as he urged citizens to "display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country". The Eastern Cape - the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela - has been worst-affected by the icy conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province. The bad weather has forced the closure of some major roads in the two provinces to avoid further casualties. Tears and heartbreak over tragic story of South African girl sold by her mother How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdown Schoolchildren swept away as heavy floods and snow hit South Africa Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
