Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s trial resumes on Monday

The trial of former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is set to resume at the Durban High Court on Monday, 26 October 2026.

Zuma-Sambudla faces charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence linked to the July 2021 unrest that swept through parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal following her father’s incarceration.

DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA FACES TERRORISM AND INCITEMENT CHARGES

As mentioned above, Zuma-Sambudla faces three charges linked to the July 2021 unrest, including incitement to commit terrorism and two counts relating to incitement to commit public violence.

The State alleges that her social media posts encouraged violence during the unrest that followed her father’s imprisonment. Zuma-Sambudla has denied the allegations.

The matter was last before the Durban High Court on 13 August 2026, when additional dates were allocated for the continuation of the trial.

The trial, which began on 10 November 2025, is scheduled to run from 26 October to 6 November 2026.

BROADER CONTEXT

The case also tests South Africa’s ability to balance freedom of expression with national security, particularly under the contentious POCDATARA Act, which some legal analysts have criticised for its broad interpretation of terrorism-related offences.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has consistently maintained her innocence and framed the charges as part of a broader campaign to silence voices critical of the state.