Duduzile Zuma Cites Apartheid’s Impact on Her isiZulu Language Skills

Duduzile Zuma, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, recently revealed that she struggles with fluency in isiZulu due to the impact of apartheid. Speaking to members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, she addressed her inability to speak isiZulu fluently, attributing it to her upbringing under apartheid rule.

In a video that has been widely circulated on social media, Duduzile expressed her frustration while addressing the party members. She apologized to the crowd for not being able to communicate in her mother tongue, acknowledging that she was a “victim of apartheid,” which limited her opportunities to learn isiZulu.

“I can’t say this in isiZulu, and I’m sorry for that,” Duduzile told the audience. “I’m a victim of apartheid, and this is one of the unfortunate outcomes. We didn’t grow up in South Africa and were not taught our mother tongue. But I’m trying, and I’m learning. Give me a few years.”

Her comments were met with cheers from the crowd, as she went on to commend the party for its growth since its inception in December 2023. Duduzile acknowledged the progress the MK party has made, referring to it as a “Tsunami” in the political landscape, emphasizing that their consistent efforts were paying off in every election and by-election.

“We are a growing party, as you can see, and it has become a Tsunami. Every day, with every election and by-election, we are getting stronger, and that’s all because of you. We are thankful for the work you’ve been doing,” she added, motivating the members to continue their efforts.

In her closing remarks, Duduzile shared a message from her father, Jacob Zuma, who sent words of encouragement to the party members. She recalled her father’s experience, stating that when he was released from prison, he was around 30 to 32 years old, which is similar to the age of many young people in South Africa today. She highlighted his emphasis on discipline and resilience, which he credited for helping him survive the hardships he endured

Duduzile Zuma talks about the importance of heritage and the growth of the MK party. pic.twitter.com/oQMiN34Shr

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“He said that when he came out of prison, he was in his early 30s, just like many young people today, and what helped him survive was discipline. He encouraged you to stay disciplined in everything you do,” she relayed to the crowd.

Apart from her involvement in the MK party, Duduzile Zuma has also made strides on a continental level. In September 2024, she was sworn in as a member of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), a legislative body of the African Union (AU). PAP serves as a platform for discussions and decision-making on critical issues affecting the African continent, such as human rights, governance, and the rule of law. It also aims to harmonize policies across various regional economic communities and parliamentary fora on the continent.

As Duduzile continues to play an active role in both South African and continental politics, her personal journey of reclaiming her language and cultural identity resonates with many who experienced similar disruptions due to apartheid.