Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
12 February 2025 | 11:30 CAT
3 min read

Former president Jacob Zuma has ordered his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, to issue a public apology after she launched a scathing attack on MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu. Zuma warned that disciplinary action would follow if she failed to comply.

Zuma-Sambudla, a high-ranking member of the MK Party, took to social media to lash out at Shivambu, calling him “useless” and “the worst thing that happened to MK.” Her public outburst has sparked debate over internal tensions within the party, particularly regarding the role of Shivambu in structuring and formalizing the party’s operations.

Political analyst Nteboheleng Tsehla explained that Zuma’s appointment of Shivambu was strategic: “One of the reasons Jacob Zuma brought in Floyd Shivambu is to ensure that the MK does have structures. The MK, as we’ve known it, has never really had a constitution, processes, or structures.”

According to Tsehla, Zuma understands that he cannot lead the party indefinitely and wants to ensure MK’s longevity by putting solid structures in place. “Jacob Zuma knows that he’s old, and he cannot continue as a leader of the political party. He had to ensure that should he step down or pass away, there is some sort of structure within the MK party and that it doesn’t just fall apart,” she said.

Tsehla also highlighted Shivambu’s credentials, emphasising his political acumen and experience in party structuring. “He’s very good at organising. He’s actually one of the people who was helping with the founding principles of the EFF. His role has always been very, very tough and also very important.”

Shivambu’s appointment has marked a shift in the MK Party’s internal operations. Tsehla pointed out that his leadership has brought more order to the party’s communication and parliamentary participation. She pointed out one example, that their communication is no longer all over the place. There’s a central command of communication in the MK party.

The changes include improved press conference organisation and structured parliamentary engagement. “Now we are seeing the press conferences are more organised. We’re seeing their communications more organised. We’re seeing even in them taking part in parliament, it is not all over the place,” Tsehla noted.

While Shivambu’s reforms have strengthened the party, they may have also contributed to tensions with Zuma-Sambudla. “There is a sense of resentment towards Floyd Shivambu because the SG holds such power, and there’s always been a blind trust that has fallen on Duduzile by her father. Now, with MKP trying to legitimise itself, she might feel that trust and power being taken away from her.”

Zuma-Sambudla has played a key role in mobilising support for the MK Party, leveraging her father’s influence. However, Tsehla warned that her outburst and potential side-lining could impact her position within the party. “She has been by her father’s side, has stood by him in court cases, in everything. She’s very influential in helping him start MKP and supporting him. But in his attempt to bring in people who can legitimize the party, it almost threatens her role,” Tsehla explained.

She also suggested that Zuma-Sambudla must navigate her emotions carefully if she wishes to maintain her standing in the party. “She has to make sure that she doesn’t take everything emotional. Her emotions can take away from the fact that there might be a legitimate way of handling situations.”

Tshela highlighted that the internal dynamics of the MK Party are evolving, and with Shivambu at the helm of structuring the party, Zuma-Sambudla’s influence may diminish if she does not adapt to the changes. “She has risen quite high within the party. But if she doesn’t align herself with the new direction, she could see herself sidelined.”

As tensions simmer within the MK Party, all eyes will be on Zuma-Sambudla to see whether she complies with her father’s directive or if her defiance leads to further internal conflict.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Political analyst Nteboheleng Tsehla, here.