Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Goes on Trial for Alleged Role in July 2021 Unrest
Stanley Staples 
The trial of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, officially began on Monday in the Durban High Court, marking a significant moment in South Africa’s effort to hold alleged instigators of the deadly July 2021 unrest accountable.
The proceedings, expected to run for two weeks, focus on Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity during the violent unrest that left more than 350 people dead and caused massive economic damage, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Frequently seen smiling as she entered the courtroom, Zuma-Sambudla faces three serious charges connected to posts she allegedly made during the national chaos.
Charge 1: Incitement to Commit Terrorism
Prosecutors allege that between 29 June and July 2021, she intentionally encouraged others to commit acts classified as terrorism under South African law.
Charge 2: Incitement to Commit Violence
The state claims she urged people to gather unlawfully with the intention of disturbing public order or violating the rights of others.
Charge 3: Violation of the Riotous Assemblies Act
The final charge relates to Section 17 of the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956, which prohibits illegal gatherings aimed at sparking a riot.
According to the state, Zuma-Sambudla’s online statements played a central role in fuelling the country’s most destructive unrest since the end of apartheid.
Zuma Foundation Accuses State of Political Persecution
Hours before the trial began, the Jacob Zuma Foundation issued a scathing statement accusing the government of abusing its power and “persecuting” Zuma’s family for political reasons.
Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said the charges against Zuma-Sambudla were “baseless” and politically driven.
“The latest target is President Zuma’s daughter, Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who now faces trial on baseless and politically motivated charges under the guise of ‘terrorism’,” Manyi said.
He argued that law-enforcement agencies have spent more than two decades attempting to “destroy President Zuma and those associated with him”.
Manyi further claimed that the case forms part of a “systematic campaign of political and familial harassment” against the Zuma family, comparing it to previous unsuccessful prosecutions involving Duduzane Zuma.
“Having failed to destroy the father and the son, the state has now turned its energies to the daughter,” he added.
The trial continues, with the state expected to lead evidence on how Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts allegedly contributed to the unrest that brought South Africa to a standstill in July 2021.
