The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former South African President Jacob Zuma, is indeed preparing to fill multiple vacancies in the National Assembly, including replacing one of Zuma’s daughters with another. This move comes on the heels of a high-profile resignation tied to international controversy. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments, based on recent reports and confirmations.
Background on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s Resignation
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, Jacob Zuma’s high-profile daughter and an MK MP since June 2024, resigned from Parliament and all party structures effective immediately on November 28, 2025. Her departure was announced during a media briefing in Durban by MK national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko.
The resignation stems from allegations that she orchestrated a scheme luring 17 South African men (aged 20–39, many reportedly her relatives) to Russia under false pretenses. The men believed they were heading for “lawful” bodyguard training linked to the MK Party but ended up on the front lines of Russia’s war in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Key details include:
- Accusations: Duduzile allegedly administered WhatsApp groups where she shared recruitment details, jokes, and reassurances amid the men’s growing panic. Her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a police complaint against her, accusing her of human trafficking.
- Duduzile’s Defense: In an affidavit, she denied intentional deception, claiming she was also a victim of manipulation and is “profoundly shocked.” She has not admitted guilt and is cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
- Party Stance: MK has distanced itself, stating it was unaware of the recruitment and supporting efforts to repatriate the men. Nhleko emphasized the resignation was voluntary, allowing Duduzile to focus on family reunification.
This isn’t Duduzile’s first brush with legal issues; she faced separate terrorism charges related to the July 2021 unrest and appeared in court as recently as November 2025.
The Replacement: Brumelda Zuma Steps In
Reports confirm that Brumelda Zuma, another daughter of Jacob Zuma (from a different mother, making her Duduzile’s half-sister), is set to take Duduzile’s parliamentary seat. Brumelda, a University of Zululand graduate, has been named in leaked internal MK correspondence as one of four new members slated for swearing-in.
- Party’s Position: MK has not officially confirmed the lineup but requested Parliament to schedule the swearing-in ceremony. No date has been set as of December 4, 2025.
- Brumelda’s Profile: She’s a relatively low-key figure compared to Duduzile but has faced internal party criticism. In the King Cetshwayo district, local structures accused her of creating divisive parallel groups, prompting complaints to Jacob Zuma. Despite this, her appointment aligns with the party’s strategy to bolster its legislative presence amid recent exits.
South Africans online have reacted with a mix of sarcasm and resignation, with comments like “When I see Zuma in any name, I think it must be someone dodgy” circulating on platforms like Reddit.
Broader Context: Four Seats to Fill
The replacement is part of a larger effort to address a wave of resignations that have weakened MK’s parliamentary footprint. The party, formed by Jacob Zuma in 2023 after his ANC expulsion, secured significant seats in the 2024 elections but has been plagued by internal turbulence. Here’s a quick overview of the vacancies:
| MP Who Resigned | Date | Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla | Nov 28, 2025 | Scandal over Russia/Ukraine recruitment | Voluntary; focusing on repatriation efforts |
| Lucky Montana | Recent (discussed in Jan 2025) | Personal/strategic reasons | Former public works director-general; resigned amicably |
| [Two others unnamed in leaks] | Ongoing | Internal dynamics | Part of MK’s “measured action” to reinforce influence |
MK spokesperson Nhlanhla Mncwango described the moves as essential for “maximising legislative influence and advancing the revolutionary agenda.”
Implications and Public Reaction
This “Zuma daughter swap” highlights the deeply familial nature of MK’s leadership, with Jacob Zuma’s influence evident in the rapid elevation of relatives. Critics argue it underscores nepotism, while supporters see it as stabilizing the party. Public sentiment, per social media and comment sections, leans toward cynicism: “People should understand that the MK Party was formed by President Zuma,” one user noted, implying family loyalty trumps all.
The swearing-in could happen soon, potentially injecting fresh (if controversial) energy into MK’s opposition role. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine scandal continues to unfold, with families demanding urgent action for the stranded men.