Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, appeared in Durban High Court on Monday to face charges of inciting violence during the 2021 riots that claimed over 300 lives.
She entered a plea of not guilty, rejecting the allegations that she encouraged violent acts through social media posts.
The violence erupted in July 2021 after Jacob Zuma was jailed for failing to comply with a court order to testify at a corruption investigation. What began as protests quickly escalated into widespread looting, arson, and destruction of property, resulting in financial losses estimated at around 50 billion rand, roughly $2.9 billion.
Zuma-Sambudla, 43, stands accused of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence. Prosecutors claim her online statements played a role in fueling unrest, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where the disturbances were most severe.
During the court session, Zuma-Sambudla’s lawyer insisted the state’s case is weak, arguing that there is no solid proof connecting her directly to the riots.
She has consistently said the charges are politically motivated, aimed at punishing her father after he formed a new political party and challenged the African National Congress (ANC).
Jacob Zuma attended the trial to support his daughter, sitting alongside leaders of his party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which gained traction during last year’s national elections, affecting the ANC’s popularity. Outside the courthouse, a small group of MK supporters gathered in solidarity.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation described the prosecution as “an abuse of power” and “a systematic campaign of political and familial harassment” targeting the former president and his family. Zuma-Sambudla’s legal team argues the case is part of ongoing political attacks, and the trial is expected to continue over several days.
