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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla appeared in the Durban High Court on Monday 10 November 2025, where she pleaded not guilty to terrorism-incitement and public-violence charges. Prosecutors say her social media posts fuelled the 2021 riots in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which left more than 350 people dead. The case is South Africa’s first attempt to prosecute terrorism-related offences arising from online activity.
What Happened
The state alleges Zuma-Sambudla played a direct role in triggering the widespread unrest that shook the country in July 2021. The violence erupted shortly after her father, former president Jacob Zuma, handed himself over to authorities to begin a 15-month sentence for contempt of court after refusing to appear before the state capture inquiry.
His imprisonment ignited mass protests and looting across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. In total, more than 350 people died, thousands of businesses suffered severe losses, and supply chains collapsed.
Prosecutors say 164 WhatsApp groups were created to coordinate the riots. They argue Zuma-Sambudla “intentionally and unlawfully encouraged the public to engage in acts of violence under the guise of freeing Jacob Zuma”.
Zuma-Sambudla, 43, rejected those claims and arrived in court wearing a T-shirt printed with “Modern Day Terrorist”, a satirical jab at the charges against her. Throughout proceedings, she appeared relaxed and confident. Her father, who led the country for nine years, sat in the gallery to support her.
Official Response
A representative of the Jacob Zuma Foundation dismissed the trial as a political attack on the Zuma family.
“For more than two decades, state institutions have been selectively mobilised to destroy President Zuma and those associated with him,” said spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi. He argued that her posts were “reactive commentaries on events already unfolding”, insisting that millions of South Africans expressed similar anger after Zuma’s 2021 imprisonment.
Zuma-Sambudla also broke away from the ANC in 2023 to follow her father into the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. She now serves as an MK Member of Parliament.
Community Impact
The 2021 unrest remains one of the darkest moments in post-apartheid South Africa. Many communities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal still have not fully recovered from the destruction of malls, factories, warehouses, and township businesses.
The outcome of this trial could influence how the country regulates online political mobilisation, especially ahead of future elections. It also raises broader concerns about accountability for the 2021 violence, as victims continue to seek justice and economic relief.
FAQ
Why is this case important?
It is the first time South Africa is using terrorism-related charges linked to social-media posts.
Could Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla face jail time?
If convicted, the charges carry heavy penalties under South Africa’s anti-terrorism laws.
Is Jacob Zuma involved in the trial?
He is not facing charges in this matter but attended court in support of his daughter.
