Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has entered a plea of not guilty to accusations that she encouraged violence during the destructive July 2021 riots.
She appeared at the Durban High Court on Monday for her first hearing. Prosecutors claim her posts on social media motivated others to commit violent acts, worsening the chaos that swept across the country at the time.
Zuma-Sambudla, who has remained an outspoken and active player in South African politics, has drawn attention to shifting political loyalties and shrinking support for the African National Congress, the party long led by her father.
The unrest broke out after Jacob Zuma was jailed for refusing to cooperate with an investigation into corruption. What started in KwaZulu-Natal soon spread to Gauteng, leading to massive destruction, widespread looting, fires, and the tragic loss of more than 300 lives, along with severe economic damage to businesses.
This highly publicized trial has placed her conduct under a spotlight. It also highlights ongoing national challenges—soaring unemployment, deep economic inequality, and the powerful impact of social media in fueling public disorder.
