South Africa – The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, Dodozile Zuma Sambodla (43), begins a new chapter in an extraordinary trial this week. She faces charges of inciting terrorism and public violence. These charges stem from her social media posts during the deadly riots of July 2021.
This trial comes four years after the violence that erupted in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300 people and economic losses exceeding $2.8 billion.
The prosecution accuses Zuma Sambodla of playing a pivotal role in inciting these events. She used posts and images that encouraged continued unrest, particularly under the hashtag #FreeJacobZuma.
“Modern-day terrorist” and the challenge to the court
During the final procedural hearing, the defendant sparked controversy by wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with the satirical phrase “Modern-day terrorist,” a reference to the charges against her. Her lawyer described the case as legally “weak.”
The evidence against her centers on dozens of posts in which she is accused of inciting the public to shut down cities and escalate tensions against the government.
Zuma Sambodla, a member of parliament from the National Movement Party, was one of her father’s most prominent defenders. This came after his presidency ended in 2018 amid allegations of corruption.
Despite the charges against her, she is expected to use the trial to present herself as a “symbol of political opposition.” This could boost her popularity among her party’s supporters.
The prosecution faces a major challenge in proving the direct intent to incite terrorism, while her party described the case as a “political hoax” and a “social injustice”.
