Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Set for High-Stakes Trial Over Alleged Role in July 2021 Unrest
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – The daughter of former President Jacob Zuma will stand trial from next week regarding her involvement in the 2021 July unrest. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is charged with incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence. The charges are linked to the unrest that led to widespread looting and left public infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng damaged. The State alleges that Zuma-Sambudla used social media platforms to spur on the looting by sharing some of the incidents caught on video with the caption: “We see you.” The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that the trial is set down for two weeks from 10-21 November in the Durban High Court.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Zuma-Sambudla’s political profile as an MP for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and her familial ties to the former president, whose imprisonment sparked the initial unrest. As South Africa reflects on one of its most chaotic periods, the trial could shed light on the role of social media in inciting violence and hold key figures accountable.
Charges Stem from Social Media Posts During Deadly Unrest
The allegations against Zuma-Sambudla centre on her online activity during the July 2021 riots, which erupted following Jacob Zuma’s arrest for contempt of court. Prosecutors claim her posts, including videos of looting captioned “We see you,” encouraged public violence and terrorism. The unrest, which lasted over a week, resulted in more than 350 deaths, thousands of arrests, and economic losses exceeding R50 billion, with widespread damage to shops, factories, and infrastructure in KZN and Gauteng.
Zuma-Sambudla has pleaded not guilty, maintaining her innocence throughout preliminary hearings. The case was postponed multiple times, from March 2025 to August 2025, before being set for trial at the Durban High Court. In her August 2025 appearance, she wore a shirt emblazoned with “Modern Day Terrorist,” which sparked further debate on social media about her stance.
MK Party Rallies in Support Amid Women’s Month
The MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, has shown strong solidarity with Zuma-Sambudla. During her August 2025 court appearance, party leaders including Secretary-General Dr Bongani Mncwango and KZN Chairperson Cde Mchunu gathered outside the Durban High Court, condemning the charges as an injustice. Mncwango emphasised protecting women against gender-based violence, tying the case to broader issues during Women’s Month. “We thank the many MK Party members and supporters who continue to stand strong against injustice,” the party posted on X.
Supporters chanted and waved placards, viewing the trial as politically motivated. The party has framed it as an attack on their movement, with hashtags like #WeSeeYou gaining traction online.
Broader Impact of the July 2021 Unrest
The July unrest remains one of South Africa’s darkest chapters post-apartheid, triggered by Zuma’s incarceration but escalating into widespread anarchy. Investigations, including the State Capture Commission, linked some instigators to political factions, with social media playing a key role in mobilisation. Over 5,000 arrests followed, but many cases, including high-profile ones, linger in courts.
Zuma-Sambudla’s trial could set precedents for incitement charges in the digital age, especially amid debates on free speech versus public safety. Legal experts note the difficulty in proving intent, but prosecutors aim to show her posts directly fuelled the violence.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Trial
The two-week trial starting 10 November 2025 will likely feature evidence from social media forensics, witness testimonies, and expert analysis on incitement. Zuma-Sambudla, as an MK MP, may draw large crowds outside court, potentially leading to heightened security.
As the case unfolds, it revives painful memories of the unrest while testing South Africa’s justice system. Many hope it brings closure to victims’ families and reinforces accountability for those in power. For updates, follow proceedings at the Durban High Court.
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