The Durban High Court on Thursday certified the high-profile case against MK Party Member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, as trial-ready, setting the matter down for 10–21 November 2025.
Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, faces one count of incitement to commit terrorism and two counts of incitement to commit public violence in connection with the deadly July 2021 unrest that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The violence left more than 350 people dead, thousands injured, and caused an estimated R50 billion in economic losses.
Her appearance drew heavy police presence and a small but vocal group of MK Party supporters outside the court. Inside, the 41-year-old politician walked in confidently, wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned in bold white letters with the words “Modern Day Terrorist” — a provocative statement widely seen as both a defiance of the charges and a political message to her supporters.
The unrest in question followed the arrest of her father for contempt of court in July 2021. Protests that began outside Zuma’s Nkandla homestead quickly spiralled into days of rioting, looting, and arson. The state alleges that Zuma-Sambudla used her social media platforms to incite violence and mobilise unrest, actions prosecutors say were tantamount to encouraging terrorism.
“The matter is now trial-ready, and both the prosecution and defence are prepared to proceed in November,” confirmed Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, KwaZulu-Natal Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Zuma-Sambudla has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to target her family and silence dissenting voices. Her legal team has previously argued that her posts and statements during the unrest were political speech protected under South Africa’s Constitution.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said the case goes beyond one individual and touches on South Africa’s fragile balance between political freedoms and national security.
“The state has to demonstrate that its prosecution is not about silencing political opponents but about upholding the rule of law,” Seepe told journalists. “If they fail to convincingly link her actions to the loss of life and destruction, it risks being seen as selective justice, especially given the broader political tensions in the country.”
The case is also set against the backdrop of the MK Party’s rapid rise as a significant political force. Formed in late 2023, the party has positioned itself as the defender of former president Zuma’s legacy and an outspoken critic of the current government.
Zuma-Sambudla has been one of its most visible and combative figures, using social media to galvanise support.
Security experts have warned that the trial could reignite tensions in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly if the verdict is seen as unjust by her supporters. Police have reportedly begun contingency planning for the November dates.
For now, Zuma-Sambudla remains out on bail, continuing her parliamentary duties and maintaining a strong public presence. With the trial now confirmed, all eyes will be on the Durban High Court in November — and on the political fallout that could follow its outcome.
