Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has become one of the most talked-about figures in modern South African politics. From her presence in Parliament to her controversial tweets, Duduzile has made headlines for both political ambition and legal drama. Here are five facts you need to know about her.
1. She is a Member of the National Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla currently serves as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa. In July 2024, she was also elected to represent South Africa in the Pan-African Parliament, solidifying her presence on both national and continental political stages.
2. Her Tweets Were Blamed for Inciting the 2021 Unrest
She gained notoriety in 2021 when her social media activity was blamed for helping spark violent protests and looting following her father’s imprisonment. Both the Democratic Alliance and the ANC criticized her for allegedly encouraging unrest through Twitter posts.
3. She Was Linked to a Russian-Backed Disinformation Campaign
In 2023, a report by the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience accused Duduzile of being at the center of a Russian-backed Twitter campaign aimed at increasing South African support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The report alleged that she used her platform to spread pro-Russia narratives.
4. She Left the ANC to Join the MK Party
Following her father’s fallout with the ANC, Duduzile also left the party and joined the newly launched uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in 2023. She ran in 18th place on its national list for the 2024 general election and played a central role in its campaign activities.
5. She Was Arrested on Terrorism Charges in 2025
On 30 January 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was arrested on terrorism charges related to her alleged role in inciting violence during the 2021 unrest. She was later released on a warning, and her trial is scheduled to begin in November 2025.
