The highly anticipated trial of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, is slated to commence at the Durban High Court on Monday, 10 November. Zuma-Sambudla faces serious charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence, which are directly linked to the devastating July 2021 unrest that engulfed parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Her initial appearance occurred on 30 January, where she voluntarily surrendered to authorities before being released on warning, with her case subsequently transferred to the High Court for formal trial proceedings.

These charges originate from the widespread riots and extensive looting that erupted following Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment in July 2021 for contempt of court. The violent upheaval, which persisted for several days, tragically resulted in over 350 fatalities and inflicted billions of rands in damage upon businesses and vital infrastructure. Authorities have alleged that social media posts made by Zuma-Sambudla, among others, played a role in encouraging acts of violence during that turbulent period. Specific posts cited include a poster advocating for the “shutdown” of KwaZulu-Natal—encompassing roads, factories, shops, and government—until her father’s release, along with the use of liberation-era slogans such as “Amandla!” (power) and “Azishe!” (let it burn).

Currently serving as a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has emerged as a prominent figure in her father’s political resurgence. Her trial unfolds at a particularly sensitive political juncture, as the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party continues to challenge the African National Congress’s long-standing dominance and dispute the legitimacy of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration. The court proceedings are widely expected to reignite intense public debate over accountability for the 2021 unrest, an event that remains one of post-apartheid South Africa’s most severe episodes of civil instability. While critics of the prosecution contend that the charges are politically motivated, others adamantly insist that justice must prevail to deter any recurrence of similar violence.

This significant case also serves as a crucial test of South Africa’s capacity to delicately balance fundamental freedom of expression with paramount national security concerns, particularly under the controversial POCDATARA Act. The Act itself has drawn criticism from some legal analysts for its broad and potentially ambiguous interpretation of terrorism-related offences. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga previously described the case as “complex,” highlighting that it marks the first instance where the NPA has brought charges based on content shared via social media platforms.

The Jacob G. Zuma Foundation has vehemently condemned the prosecution, characterizing it as “political persecution” of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Foundation asserted that Zuma-Sambudla faces trial on “baseless and politically motivated” terrorism charges. The Foundation’s remarks coincide with the impending start of Zuma-Sambudla’s trial, which, as mentioned, stems from the July 2021 unrest. They argue that these charges constitute part of a sustained campaign to “weaponise the criminal justice system” against former President Zuma and his loyal supporters. “What we are witnessing is not justice but a systematic campaign of political and familial harassment against the former President, his children, and all who have stood firm in defending his legacy,” the Foundation declared.

The Foundation further dismissed the allegations of incitement, contending that Zuma-Sambudla’s social media posts were merely “reactive commentaries to events already unfolding.” It challenged the logical premise that “impoverished communities, many without access to food, smartphones or data, were mobilised into action by Twitter posts.” Moreover, the Foundation strongly criticized the criminalization of liberation-era slogans, asserting that words like “Amandla!” and “Azishe!”, which are deeply embedded in South Africa’s struggle history, “cannot and must not be perverted into acts of terrorism.”