DURBAN-(MaraviPost)-Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has returned to the Durban High Court for her trial to continue.
She faces charges relating to the use of her social media account to incite the deadly July 2021 unrest.
The 2021 unrest, which followed her father’s imprisonment for contempt of court, left over 300 people dead and caused billions of rand in damage to the economy.
The state alleges that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts intentionally encouraged the public to engage in acts of violence under the slogan #FreeJacobZuma.
The trial has sparked intense debate, with the Jacob Zuma Foundation accusing the state of targeting the former president’s family.
However, the state maintains that its investigation is focused on the alleged crimes committed during the unrest, and that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity is central to its case.
According to the state, 164 WhatsApp groups were created to coordinate and incite violence during the unrest, with eight key groups identified as responsible for providing direction and encouraging protests.
Zuma-Sambudla’s defense team, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu SC, has challenged the state’s evidence, arguing that her tweet “we see you” cannot be construed as incitement.
The trial is ongoing, with Zuma-Sambudla pleading not guilty to charges of terrorism and incitement to commit public violence.
If convicted, she faces serious penalties, including imprisonment.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, also known as Dudu Zuma, is a South African businesswoman, politician, and daughter of former President Jacob Zuma.
Born on May 20, 1982, in Maputo, Mozambique, she’s the twin sister of Duduzane Zuma and one of Jacob Zuma’s 23 children.
Her mother, Kate Mantsho, tragically took her own life in 2000 when Duduzile was just 18 years old.
Duduzile grew up in a politically active family and was exposed to South African politics from a young age.
She pursued higher education, earning a degree in Information Technology from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and a diploma in Occupational Safety and Health Technology from the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA).
She’s a successful businesswoman, serving as the managing director of Buciko Construction, a civil engineering and construction company.
Duduzile is also involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly those supporting women and youth empowerment.
Duduzile’s political involvement includes being a member of the UMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, founded by her father, and serving as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa from June 2024 to November 2025.
She’s known for her vocal support of her father and has faced controversy, including charges related to inciting violence during the 2021 South African unrest.