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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.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
'High promises, dololo delivery' – Economist slams Ramaphosa for doing nothing
According to Professor Jannie Rossouw from Wits Business School, President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to deliver meaningful results ever since taking office. Image: GCIS Professor Jannie Rossouw of Wits Business School has described President Cyril Ramaphosa as an "ineffective" leader who has contributed "nothing" since taking office, and is now leaning on race-based policies like B-BBEE to win back support for the ANC. Speaking to IOL News on Monday, Rossouw said Ramaphosa is using race-based empowerment policies such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act and the Employment Equity Act to try and regain support for his party. The African National Congress (ANC), is currently the leader of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes other parties. 'Mr Ramaphosa is at the end of his presidency,' Rossouw said. 'His party is in trouble. It's losing support all the time. So he's making these statements in the hope that it will improve support for the ANC.' His comments came after Ramaphosa's recent weekly newsletter, in which he defended the B-BBEE and the Employment Equity Act. Ramaphosa rejected what he called a 'false notion' that South Africa must choose between economic growth and transformation. He said the country must remain committed to redressing historical injustices. 'Our Constitution reflects the promise we made to one another and to future generations to redress the injustices of our past and realise the full potential of our country,' Ramaphosa wrote. 'For this reason, we reaffirm that broad-based Black economic empowerment is not just a policy choice but a constitutional imperative.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He referenced the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which proclaimed, 'the people shall share in the country's wealth,' and argued that empowerment policies are key to ensuring inclusive growth. 'We must make our empowerment policies more meaningful,' he said. 'Economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion, and transformation without growth is unsustainable.' According to Ramaphosa, South Africa has made measurable progress since 1994, including improvements in ownership, management control, and enterprise and skills development, especially among women-owned businesses. However, Rossouw sharply disagreed. He argued that the current application of race-based policies has done little for ordinary citizens. 'It's obvious by now that the ANC government's economic policies are not working,' he said. 'Over the past decade, our growth rate has averaged around 1% per year, while population growth is 1.5%. That means on a per capita basis, South Africans are getting poorer.' He added that the benefits of B-BBEE have largely gone to a small, politically connected elite. 'I can give you five or six people who are now exceptionally wealthy, Mr. Ramaphosa himself among them... Think of people in the coal and mining industries. Meanwhile, we have a large group of very poor South Africans,' he said. 'We see it in the Gini coefficient. We see it in unemployment. These policies are clearly not delivering the results they were originally intended to deliver. There's no skills transfer. Few people get very wealthy, while unemployment is over 50%.' Rossouw said transformation is important, but not in the way the ANC is doing it. 'Transformation is necessary, but the current approach isn't helping. It's not creating jobs or reducing poverty. It's enriching a small elite. That's not a real transformation.' The ANC's economic policies have also come under fire from opposition parties. Both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party criticised a recent proposal to allow foreign companies to meet B-BBEE requirements through the Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs), including Elon Musk's Star Link. The EFF called it a 'backdoor for foreign multinationals' to avoid local empowerment laws, while the MK Party labeled it a 'treacherous blueprint' designed to dismantle state capacity and cut deals with foreign tech oligarchs. When asked to comment on the backlash, Rossouw declined to weigh in on specifics, especially following recent global controversies. 'Well, that's a difficult one for me to respond to because the official line is that structures will be in place to allow people like Mr. (Elon) Musk into the country. Given his fight with Mr. (Donald) Trump (US President), I'd rather refrain from commenting,' Rossouw said. Ramaphosa, for his part, argued that the world is in a 'polycrisis,' marked by global conflict, economic stagnation, and environmental degradation, and that South Africa must not retreat from its transformation agenda. 'We must dispense with the false notion that we must choose between growth and transformation,' he wrote. 'B-BBEE is not a cost to the economy; it is an investment in it.' However, Rossouw said he remains unconvinced. 'What has Mr Ramaphosa brought to South Africa since his presidency that we can be proud of?' he asked. 'He's brought us nothing. High promises, no delivery… He is an ineffective leader.' IOL Politics
Mail & Guardian
29-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Strategy, storytelling and digital transformation – Business education to bridge creativity and commerce
Gugulethu Tshimanga is pursuing a Master's Degree in Digital Business to bridge her communications expertise with digital transformation, innovation and business strategy. For Gugulethu Tshimanga, returning to university wasn't about perfect timing — it was about purpose. As the senior regional social media specialist for EMEA at Infobip, a global communications platform, she leads social media strategy across multiple markets. 'I'm a curious thinker, a collaborative leader and someone who genuinely values authenticity and meaningful connection,' she says. With more than a decade of experience in marketing and communications, Tshimanga has carved out a niche at the intersection of digital strategy, brand storytelling and innovation. In 2020, she completed her honours in Communication Theory at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on new media's transformative role in modern communication. Now enrolled in the master's in Digital Business at Wits Business School, she is building on her foundation in communications by expanding into innovation and strategic business thinking. 'I wanted to bridge my communications expertise with a solid understanding of digital transformation, innovation and business strategy.' Creating the moment 'I was ready to stretch beyond my comfort zone and invest in my long-term vision,' Tshimanga says of her decision to return to study. 'There is honestly no right time. Life doesn't pause. But my desire to grow outweighed my fear. That was my signal.' In a world increasingly shaped by automation, analytics and artificial intelligence, Tshimanga felt a responsibility to stay ahead of the curve. 'It was critical to equip myself with future-facing skills that blend creativity and commerce so that I can continue to lead with insight and drive digital growth in spaces where technology, people and purpose intersect.' She says the programme has expanded her toolkit and her mindset. Exposure to concepts like agile leadership and customer-centric design has deepened her ability to think strategically and act decisively. 'What's been most impactful is learning to connect strategic thinking with real-world application, which has enhanced my ability to lead teams, advise cross-functional stakeholders and make informed decisions rooted in both creativity and commercial insight.' A collaborative mindset Learning hasn't been limited to the classroom. Tshimanga says her fellow students — professionals from a wide range of industries — have played a critical role in her growth. 'Whether it's sharing insights on market trends, exploring joint ventures, or simply having a strong support system of ambitious individuals, the network I am cultivating will continue to grow with me throughout my career.' That spirit of collaboration has also transformed her leadership approach. She is passionate about building 'learning organisations' that embed innovation and knowledge-sharing into company culture. 'Effective leadership goes beyond directing tasks and involves inspiring teams, fostering collaboration and cultivating a culture of continuous learning and innovation,' she says. 'When people feel their ideas matter, they take ownership. That's when real creativity and collaboration thrive.' Leading with empathy She believes active listening and emotional intelligence are essential, especially in dynamic, cross-cultural teams where clear communication makes all the difference. 'Understanding diverse perspectives and motivations helps build trust and empowers individuals to contribute their best.' But the journey hasn't been without challenges. 'During the first few weeks of my qualification, I struggled with imposter syndrome and doubted my abilities,' she admits. 'I spoke openly about these feelings and practised self-affirmations, and before I knew it, I was thriving.' Balancing study, work and parenting has required discipline. 'There have been late nights, early mornings and missed family moments,' she says. 'But I've built routines, leaned on my support system, and kept my eyes on the bigger picture.' A future-ready leader That bigger picture? A leadership style rooted in authenticity, adaptability and shared success. 'It's been demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.' Her advice to others considering postgraduate study is clear: 'Approach your studies with a clear purpose and realistic expectations. Think temporary sacrifice for long-term rewards. And remember to stay connected to your support systems — they'll help you carry the weight.' And for those still on the fence? 'Growth begins the moment you choose courage over comfort.'
The South African
08-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
South Africa's gas supply crisis threatens 70 000 jobs
The African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, in collaboration with IGUA-SA, convened a symposium on 7 May to address the looming gas crisis. This crisis threatens 70,000 jobs and a significant portion of the country's GDP. According to BusinessTech, the crisis stems from declining natural gas production from Mozambique's Pande and Temane fields. Which currently supply most of South Africa's gas needs through an 850 km pipeline. Sasol, which operates these fields, has warned that production could drop significantly by 2026, creating a severe supply shortfall. Professor David Phaho, director of the African Energy Leadership Centre, warned of a looming 'gas cliff' that could wipe out more than 70 000 direct and indirect jobs. These jobs span sectors like manufacturing, petrochemicals, steel, and transport industries that rely heavily on gas for operations and cannot easily switch to alternatives. 'These sectors contribute between R300 billion and R500 billion to the economy each year—around 5% of South Africa's GDP,' Phaho said. According to Engineering News, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has also warned that South Africa is heading toward a 'gas cliff,' and failure to act could trigger serious economic consequences. 'The gas cliff is not a distant event. It is imminent. But it is not inevitable. We have the analytical tools, institutional memory and public-private platforms to act,' Ramokgopa said. As an immediate measure, Phaho suggested importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) via ports such as Richards Bay, Durban, and Maputo to maintain supply. In the long term, he called for investment in regional exploration, pointing to discoveries in Namibia's Orange Basin. 'There's an opportunity for regional collaboration to ensure long-term energy security,' Phaho noted. Adding that Mozambique still holds the third-largest gas reserves in Africa. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is working on a Natural Gas Master Plan, and Sasol has pledged to extend current operations to mid-2027. However, business leaders warn that progress must be faster. Ensuring energy security will require clear policy frameworks, timely approvals, and efforts to aggregate LNG demand. 'The symposium was not just about recognising the problem—it was about gathering all stakeholders to craft a unified response,' Phaho said. A proposed 25-year 'gas pact' is now in development, aiming to guide investment and planning for the decades ahead. 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.
