Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, appeared in the Durban High Court today, where the judge set a trial date for her alleged role in the 2021 July unrest.
Trial date confirmed for Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
The violent events, which affected parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, left more than 300 people dead and caused extensive damage to businesses and infrastructure.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zuma-Sambudla faces one charge of incitement to commit terrorism under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and two counts of incitement to commit public violence.
These charges relate to social media posts prosecutors allege encouraged and glorified the unrest.
During proceedings, the Durban High Court certified the matter as “trial-ready.” The trial is scheduled to run from 10 to 21 November 2025.
Zuma-Sambudla remains out on warning, meaning she is free without having to pay bail but is required to attend all future court appearances.
In January 2025, Zuma-Sambudla’s legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu, told the court that the charges were politically motivated and intended to target her father.
Mpofu argued the case was weak, stating the state only acted due to political pressure almost four years after the unrest.
Events leading to the charges
The July 2021 unrest began shortly after former president Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court, following his refusal to testify before the State Capture Inquiry.
Initially sparked by protests, the situation escalated into widespread looting, destruction, and violence in several communities.
Zuma-Sambudla, who is a senior figure in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) political party, is accused of using her X (formerly Twitter) account to post images of burning trucks, damaged malls, and looted goods.
Prosecutors allege she often used the phrase “KZN, we see you,” which they claim was interpreted by some as encouraging further violence.
The state has indicated it will present digital forensic evidence at trial, including archived social media posts, to support its case.
Zuma-Sambudla’s legal team maintains she never directly called for violence and that her posts were commentary on events already taking place.
The NPA confirmed that other individuals allegedly linked to the unrest are also facing prosecution, with several cases still under investigation.