Duduzile Zuma Pledges to Defend Her Father’s Legacy
FORMER President, Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is adamant she will not be silent even if persecution continues.
Zuma-Sambudla expressed her gratitude to her supporters in a letter after her appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court on Thursday, 30 January.
The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK party) Member of Parliament faces charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.
The charges relate to the violent protests in July 2021 following the arrest of her father, which led to the deaths of 354 people in KZN and Gauteng.
She stands accused of inciting violence.
In her letter, Zuma-Sambudla said during apartheid, people were imprisoned without trial and today, under the pretense of democracy, Zuma is subjected to the same injustice.
“In a so-called free and democratic South Africa, he is vilified, persecuted and incarcerated without a fair trial. The judicial system, deeply rooted in Roman-Dutch law, was designed to protect the interests of those who benefited from colonialism and apartheid. It continues to serve as a weapon against those who challenge the status quo,” she wrote.
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She also reflected on the years she remained silent while her father faced attacks and ridicule, enduring the pain of his political persecution, however, she has now decided to speak out.
“Enough is enough! I refuse to be silent any longer. I will stand up for my father as any loving daughter would. Like my mother, Kate, I will fiercely protect my father, my family, and our people with the strength, love, and resilience instilled in me,” she said.
She described the case brought against her as a deliberate attempt to silence her.
“The case brought against me four years later is nothing more than a blatant attempt to intimidate me into silence. But let me be clear: I will not be silenced. This is not just about me; it is about the continued assault on our people, our leaders, and our struggle for total liberation,” she said.
Zuma-Sambudla added that she will not submit and vowed to fight to the end.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to my legal team, the leadership of the MK party, members of the National High Command, MK KZN, MK Women’s League, MK Youth League, and the commanders on the ground who stood in solidarity with me at my court appearance. Your unwavering support fuels my determination,” she said.
