Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s Trial Set Down for November 2025, Charges Over July Unrest Divide Mzansi
- Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla will appear in court again in November 2025 in relation to the 2021 July unrest
- The daughter of Jacob Zuma is charged with incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence
- South Africans weighed in on the upcoming trial, with some speculating about whether anything would happen to her
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla will stand trial in November 2025 in connection with the 2021 July unrest.
The daughter of former President Jacob Zuma is charged with incitement to commit terrorism and incitement to commit public violence about the protests which broke out in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng.
The widespread protests erupted following the arrest of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader in 2021, and led to looting, infrastructure damage and loss of life.
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When will Zuma-Sambudla appear in court?
During her latest appearance in the Durban High Court on 14 August 2025, a trial date was confirmed for Zuma-Sambudla’s case.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, noted that the trial was set down for November 2025.
"The judge in the matter certified it trial-ready, and the matter was adjourned to 10 November for trial. The trial has been set down for the 10th to the 21st of November 2025," she said.
The prosecution team believes it has a watertight case, but Zuma-Sambudla’s legal team questioned why she was charged so many years after her alleged crimes.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about the charges against Zuma-Sambudla
- In August 2022, it was reported that Zuma-Sambudla was being investigated for her involvement in the July unrest.
- The NPA explained in January 2025 why it took three years to charge Zuma-Sambudla for any crimes.
- Zuma-Sambudla was released on warning following her first appearance in the Durban High Court.
- The MK Party claimed that charges against Zuma-Sambudla were a politically motivated attack against her father.
- Zuma-Sambudla caused a stir online after sharing a selfie from the court, using the same captions she used during the unrest.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on the latest development, with some showing support for her, while others stated that nothing would happen.
Angela Bianca Mphana joked:
“You just sent a warning to those who might be thinking of looting at Maponya Mall.”
Azanian Peoples Forum – APF said:
“Stay strong, daughter of Azania. We are with you.”
Vijay Moodley claimed:
“Nothing will happen here.”
Hannes van Zyl agreed:
“We know nothing is going to happen to Miss South Africa.”
Malume said:
“Somebody remind her that daddy is no longer calling the shots.”
Colleen Calder added:
“Jail her and throw away the key. The whole Zuma family needs to be in jail as well.”
Sindiswa Mnisi stated:
“On 10 November, it will be postponed to 10 June 2026, because obviously, the NPA will still not be ready. Ignore that the trial is set to commence; they don't have a case.”
Zuma-Sambudla speaks out about terrorism charge
Briefly News reported that Zuma-Sambudla opened up about the terrorism charges levelled against her.
The MK Party member appeared before the Durban Magistrates Court facing charges relating to the July 2021 incident.
South Africans were not impressed with her defence and accused her of trying to remain relevant.
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Source: Briefly News
