Jacob Zuma & Floyd Shivambu arrives at court as Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces incitement charges
Jacob Zuma & Floyd Shivambu arrives at court as Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces incitement charges! Former president and leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, Jacob Zuma, made an appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is expected to face charges related to incitement during the July 2021 unrest.
Zuma, who remains a key political figure, was accompanied by MK Party secretary general Floyd Shivambu, as well as his son, Duduzane Zuma, who is Duduzile’s twin brother.
The case has drawn significant public and political attention, particularly among MK Party supporters, who have gathered outside the court in large numbers.
Charges Against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is now a Member of Parliament (MP) under the MK Party, is facing serious terrorism and public violence charges.
These charges stem from her social media activity during the July 2021 unrest, where she posted multiple videos and images of looting, arson, and riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Many of her posts were accompanied by the hashtag #FreeJacobZuma, which prosecutors argue encouraged the violent actions that unfolded.
The state has linked her tweets and online statements to acts of violence, arguing that her influence contributed to the lawlessness that resulted in widespread destruction, economic losses, and loss of life.
Massive Police Presence at Court
Given the political sensitivity of the case, KwaZulu-Natal police have been placed on high alert.
Hundreds of MK Party supporters have gathered outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court, many of whom are singing and chanting pro-Zuma slogans.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the proceedings do not trigger further unrest.
The SAHRC’s Findings on the July 2021 Unrest
In January 2024, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a detailed report on the July 2021 unrest, which remains one of the most devastating periods of public disorder in South Africa’s post-apartheid history.
The report found that the unrest was orchestrated by well-resourced individuals, but it did not establish a direct link between the violence and Jacob Zuma’s incarceration.
Key findings from the SAHRC report:
- Orchestrated Unrest – The commission determined that the riots were not purely spontaneous, but rather coordinated by certain groups.
- Police Unpreparedness – Law enforcement agencies were ill-prepared to deal with the scale of the riots, largely due to a lack of training and resources.
- Failure to Crack Down on Criminal Elements – Authorities did not act quickly enough to stop looters, arsonists, and rioters, which exacerbated the destruction.
- Socio-Economic Issues – The commission emphasized that unless socio-economic problems like poverty, unemployment, and inequality are addressed, similar unrest could occur in the future.
The July 2021 riots resulted in:
- Over 350 deaths
- Billions of rands in damages
- Hundreds of businesses looted and destroyed
- Severe economic setbacks for KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
Jacob Zuma’s Legal Troubles and the Zondo Commission
The July 2021 unrest was triggered by the jailing of Jacob Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court after he refused to testify before the Zondo Commission.
The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture was investigating corruption allegations linked to Zuma’s presidency, particularly claims that state resources were looted during his tenure.
Zuma’s refusal to cooperate with the Constitutional Court’s ruling resulted in his imprisonment, which in turn sparked protests that escalated into full-scale riots.
Political Reactions to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s Case
The legal action against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has divided public opinion.
- MK Party members argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing Zuma’s supporters.
- Opposition parties and civil society groups insist that those who incited violence must be held accountable, regardless of their political status.
- Some South Africans, especially those who lost businesses or loved ones in the riots, believe that Zuma-Sambudla should face the consequences of her actions.
A political analyst noted:
“The justice system must prove that no one is above the law. If Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s posts contributed to the unrest, then there must be accountability.”
What Happens Next?
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is expected to enter a plea in court and could apply for bail.
Legal experts say that if convicted, she could face:
- A substantial fine
- A prison sentence
- A ban from holding public office
Given her status as a Member of Parliament, the case will also have political implications for the MK Party.
Conclusion
The Durban Magistrate’s Court proceedings mark a critical moment in the legal and political aftermath of the July 2021 unrest.
With Jacob Zuma, Duduzane Zuma, and MK Party leaders in attendance, the trial is set to be highly contentious.
While supporters rally behind Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, authorities insist that those responsible for the unrest must be held accountable.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the courts to determine whether Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity was merely political expression—or criminal incitement.
