Housewife to ‘hottest MP’: What qualifies Duduzile Zuma for politics?

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of Jacob Zuma and reported arch-rival of Floyd Shivambu, has gained notoriety for her shocking rants on X and provocative TikTok videos. But what qualifications does the self-proclaimed “hottest member of parliament” actually hold?

Since joining the MK Party, the mother of two has faced criticism for lacking political experience and general knowledge. Critics have also accused her of drug abuse, allegations she has yet to respond to.

Duduzile is the twin sister of fellow politician Duduzane Zuma. Their mother, the late Kate Mantsho, reportedly died by suicide in 2000.

DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA – WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES SHE HAVE?

After Floyd Shivambu indirectly embarrassed her, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is now under intense public scrutiny.

While some anticipate another fiery rant on X, others question her qualifications to lead the MK Party’s top structures.

During an interview with DJ Warras on The Shady Podcast last year, Duduzile admitted she had no political experience. Although she graduated from Wits Business School, she didn’t disclose her qualification and described herself as a stay-at-home mom and housewife.

Ahead of the MK Party’s official launch, Duduzile joined her father, Jacob Zuma, on her first political campaign.

She said of politics, “I love it. I have a bit of understanding of it now.”

When asked if she was considered MK Party top brass, she confidently added: “My father is the head. But I am the neck.”

She added: “I sit in the core. I vote with other comrades; we make decisions, we debate.”

‘I’M STILL LEARNING’

Amid the public criticism, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla urged South Africans to give her a chance to prove herself.

During last year’s vote count, the estranged wife of Lonwaba Sambudla was ridiculed over her comments about the MK Party’s mission.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Duduzile was questioned on what the MK Party could offer South Africans. She responded: “The same kind of government that we had under President Jacob Zuma, those amazing nine years, very similar.

Speaking to the Sowetan, Duduzile Zuma was again questioned on the agenda of the MK Party.

She said: “Doing what the President said under his economy, which is great. We will just go back to that. Because the economy under Cyril Ramaphosa was dismal”.

When asked to elaborate on two key points in their economic plan, Duduzile responded: “We’ll probably look at things like the repo rate to assist in bringing down food prices or whatever. Things to alleviate poverty and too much strain on the pocket of the people”.

In the midst of it, Duduzile told the Daily Maverick: “It is something I’m still learning and overwhelmed by. But happy to be here and part of the change the country and the world needs.”

LINK TO GUPTAS

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s history with the controversial Gupta family is no secret.

Both Duduzile and her twin Duduzane were hired to work for the brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh’s Sahara Group company. The daughter of Jacob Zuma was given the title of director at Sahara Computers in 2008, months before he was elected president of South Africa. She later resigned amid public scrutiny.

The brothers, who, alongside Zuma’s son Duduzane, were accused of fraudulently securing government tenders, have since fled South Africa amid charges of treason, racketeering, extortion, fraud, and forgery.