Johannesburg – Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has issued a fresh apology, this time directed at uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu, after facing mounting pressure and a potential expulsion from the party.
The apology, released on Friday morning, also extends to her father, Jacob Zuma, MKP members and supporters, and the people of South Africa, following a series of controversial social media posts that ignited a firestorm within the party.
"To the secretary-general of uMkhonto Wesizwe party, my comrade, Floyd Shivambu, President Jacob Zuma, party members, supporters, and the people of South Africa, I sincerely apologise for my recent public posts on X, which have caused offence, division, and disruption within the uMkhonto Wesizwe party and beyond," Zuma-Sambudla stated in her apology.
She acknowledged her misstep, saying: "It was never my intention to undermine the principles of unity, respect, and discipline that are the foundation of our movement."
"I acknowledge that my words and actions have violated the organisation's disciplinary code of conduct, and I deeply regret any harm they may have caused."
The apology marks a significant shift in tone from Zuma-Sambudla, who previously launched a scathing attack on Shivambu, dismissing him as a "mafikizolo" – a derogatory term implying he was an unqualified newcomer unworthy of his senior position. She also used expletives in her remarks, escalating tensions within the party. Although she has since deleted the posts, the damage was already done.
She continued, "While I hold strong and personal views, including serious concerns about internal party matters, my perceptions of how certain issues may be handled within the organisation, especially by the party's secretary-general, I fully recognise that such concerns should have been, and shall be addressed through the proper internal channels, as dictated by the core values and principles of the glorious movement of the people."
The MKP leadership, led by Zuma, responded swiftly and decisively to Zuma-Sambudla's initial outburst. Despite Zuma-Sambudla's close ties to her father, the party wasted no time in distancing itself from her comments. In a strongly worded statement, they condemned her conduct and issued a firm ultimatum: she had to offer an unconditional public apology to Shivambu, the party leadership, and MKP supporters or face immediate expulsion.
"Failure to comply with this directive will result in immediate consequences, including the summary termination of Commander Duduzile Zuma’s membership in the MK Party and her recall from all party responsibilities," the party stated.
In this latest apology, Zuma-Sambudla also extended her "formal and unreserved apologies" to all structures she serves in, including the South African Parliament and the Southern Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament.
"I remain committed to working towards unity, progress, and the total liberation of our people," she stated.
"I humbly ask for the understanding and forgiveness of my fellow comrades and the South African public."
Zuma-Sambudla concluded her statement with a vow of introspection, saying: "I assure you all that I will reflect on this moment and use it as an opportunity for growth, discipline, and renewed commitment to the party’s mission."
