Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
30 January 2025 | 10:15 CAT
2-minute read

Former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today on charges of inciting terrorism related to the July 2021 riots. The case, which has taken over three years to reach the courts, raises questions about the slow pace of South Africa’s justice system, political manoeuvring, and the potential for further unrest.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, political analyst Dr Dale McKinley noted that delays in high-profile cases are not unusual. “Look at our justice system—her father has been in the courts for 15 years and still has not been convicted. Our court system grinds very slowly,” he said, noting the role Covid-19 played in delays, and noted that weaknesses in prosecutorial and investigative authorities are common.

Zuma-Sambudla, a key figure in the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, is expected to frame her prosecution as politically motivated. Dr McKinley pointed out that this is a familiar tactic.

“That’s the narrative her father’s used for over 10 years- it’s a ‘witch-hunt’; it’s a victimisation,” Dr McKinley said.

Analysts speculate the MK Party will claim this is an attack from the ANC’s Ramaphosa faction, particularly after their success in the last elections.

While this rhetoric may resonate with Zuma loyalists in KwaZulu-Natal, McKinley believes it will have limited appeal nationwide.

Zuma-Sambudla’s alleged role in the 2021 riots is significant. The unrest, sparked by her father’s imprisonment, led to over 380 deaths and an estimated R50 billion in economic losses. Her social media activity at the time, including cryptic messages that some interpreted as calls to mobilise, will likely be scrutinised in court.

Could her trial lead to renewed violence? Dr McKinley acknowledges the possibility of “localised skirmishes or property destruction,” but he does not foresee widespread unrest. “This is just a court hearing. If she were convicted and sentenced, then the risk would increase. For now, I don’t see large-scale violence,” he said.

The charges against Zuma-Sambudla are severe, given the scale of the 2021 riots, which crippled the economy, affected 300 00o businesses and cost lives.

As an MP for the MK Party, Zuma-Sambudla’s legal troubles raise questions about her political future. However, parliamentary rules do not require her to step down unless she is convicted.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.