Tensions are running high within the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party as party president Jacob Zuma has issued an ultimatum to his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, demanding a public apology to Secretary General Floyd Shivambu. The directive follows a string of inflammatory posts from Duduzile’s X (formerly Twitter) account, where she openly attacked Shivambu’s loyalty and leadership within the party.
Sources close to the party leadership revealed that Zuma, determined to preserve unity and discipline, warned Duduzile that failing to apologise could result in her expulsion from the party. This tough stance underscores Zuma’s focus on quelling internal divisions as the MK Party aims to strengthen its position in South African politics.
In her social media tirade, Duduzile accused Shivambu of being a “political opportunist” and suggested that he had been involved in secret dealings with rival factions. Her comments caused an uproar among party members, many of whom saw the remarks as a serious threat to party cohesion, particularly given Shivambu’s recent defection from the EFF to join the MK Party.
[WATCH] Umkhonto weSizwe Party President Jacob Zuma has instructed Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla to apologise to Secretary General Floyd Shivambu, warning that failure to do so could result in her expulsion for the insults she directed at him on her X account. pic.twitter.com/YCTe7bMItV
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 11, 2025
A senior party insider described Zuma’s intervention as both strategic and personal. “Zuma knows the importance of party unity. Even his daughter must respect the party’s code of conduct,” the insider said.
Shivambu, known for his outspoken nature during his time in the EFF, has opted to remain silent on the controversy. However, his allies within the MK Party are reportedly pushing for firm action, viewing Duduzile’s comments as a direct challenge to Shivambu’s authority.
This internal conflict couldn’t have come at a worse time for the MK Party, which is working to solidify its influence ahead of key elections. Whether Duduzile will comply with her father’s demand remains uncertain, but her future within the MK Party now hangs by a thread.