The Zuma Foundation has come out strongly in defense of former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, following charges of terrorism and incitement to commit public violence linked to the July 2021 unrest. The Foundation maintains that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has no legitimate case, describing the charges as “politically motivated” and “a misuse of state power.”
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is set to appear in the Durban High Court on Monday to face charges connected to social media posts made during the violent unrest that erupted after her father’s imprisonment for contempt of court. The unrest led to widespread looting and destruction, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
However, the Zuma Foundation argues that Duduzile is being unfairly targeted because of her family name and her outspoken political views. Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi dismissed the charges as an attempt to silence those associated with the former president.
“The State is very desperate,” said Manyi. “All Duduzile did was comment after the fact. She would go on Twitter, see some explosion or event happening, and say ‘we see you.’ How is it possible for anyone with even two percent of a brain to claim that a comment made after the fact caused that event?”
Zuma Foundation Says Case Is Politically Motivated
According to the Zuma Foundation, the charges against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla form part of a broader campaign of political persecution aimed at individuals perceived to be close to former president Jacob Zuma. The Foundation believes that the NPA’s decision to prosecute is driven more by politics than by law.
“This is the continuation of the same thing — the abuse of the Constitution and state apparatus to deal with political adversaries,” said Manyi. “The Zuma name has become a target for political punishment, not justice.”
The Zuma Foundation has long maintained that former president Zuma and his associates have been subjected to unfair treatment within South Africa’s judicial system. Manyi added that this latest case against Duduzile exemplifies what he called “lawfare” — the strategic use of the legal system to intimidate or silence political opponents.
The July 2021 unrest remains one of the darkest periods in post-apartheid South Africa’s history. The violence, looting, and arson that followed Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment resulted in more than 350 deaths and billions of rands in economic losses. Authorities later alleged that certain individuals used social media platforms to incite or glorify the violence.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a prominent social media figure, was among those accused of posting content that allegedly encouraged unrest. However, the Zuma Foundation insists that she merely expressed opinions about ongoing events rather than instigating violence.
Manyi argued that her social media activity has been misinterpreted and taken out of context. “Duduzile was reacting to what she saw happening in real time. To suggest that her tweets caused violence is absurd and an insult to intelligence,” he said.
The Zuma Foundation has questioned the timing and intent behind the charges, suggesting they are meant to distract from deeper systemic failures within South Africa’s justice system. Manyi said the Foundation would continue to challenge what it sees as selective prosecution.
“The NPA should focus on real criminals, not people who tweet,” he said. “This case is yet another example of how state resources are being wasted on political vendettas instead of serving justice.”
The Zuma Foundation also raised concerns about freedom of expression and the growing trend of using digital communications as evidence of incitement. “If we start criminalizing tweets and opinions, then democracy itself is in danger,” Manyi warned.
The Zuma Foundation said it would stand firmly by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla throughout her legal battle and ensure that the principles of justice and constitutional rights are upheld. It called on the public to view the case critically and to recognize what it describes as “a clear abuse of prosecutorial power.”
“We will not allow the intimidation of the Zuma family or any South African citizen who exercises their right to free speech,” said Manyi. “The Foundation will continue to speak out against injustice and political bias within our institutions.”
The Foundation has also emphasized that Duduzile remains innocent until proven guilty and that her upcoming court appearance will reveal the weakness of the prosecution’s case. “They have no evidence, only political motives,” said Manyi. “This will collapse like every other baseless case brought against the Zuma family.”
As the trial approaches, the Zuma Foundation has positioned itself at the forefront of defending not only Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla but also the principle of fair justice in South Africa. For the Foundation, this is not just a legal battle — it is a fight against what it sees as the systemic politicization of the judiciary.
With its latest statement, the Zuma Foundation has made it clear that it will continue to challenge what it views as selective justice and defend the legacy of Jacob Zuma’s family. Whether the NPA’s case holds weight or not, the controversy has once again thrust the Zuma name — and the Zuma Foundation — into the heart of South Africa’s political and legal debate.
Source- EWN
