Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Apologises For Explosive MK Party Rant – But Snubs Shivambu

Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has issued a public apology following an expletive-laden rant on X, where she attacked the party’s secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu.

Her apology comes after a stern warning from the party, which had threatened serious consequences, including possible expulsion, if she did not retract her statements.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Zuma-Sambudla apologised to her father, former president Jacob Zuma, as well as the MK Party leadership. However, she pointedly left out Shivambu’s name, despite the controversy being centred around her remarks about him.

‘I Should Have Used Internal Channels’ – Zuma-Sambudla

Zuma-Sambudla admitted that she could have handled the situation differently. “While I hold firm and personal views, including serious concerns about internal party matters—especially by the party’s secretary-general—I fully recognise that such concerns should have been, and shall be, addressed through the proper internal channels.”

She added that her public outburst had been “unfortunate” and may have undermined party unity and discipline.

“My profanity was not, and should not be, a reflection of the revolutionary discipline, respect, and solidarity that our organisation, under the esteemed leadership of President Jacob Zuma, upholds.”

Despite her apology, Zuma-Sambudla maintained that she had legitimate concerns about how the party was being run.

The Explosive Social Media Clash

The controversy erupted after Zuma-Sambudla launched a scathing attack on Shivambu, saying:

“You are the worst thing that has happened to the MK Party.”

She then doubled down, throwing her support behind the party’s original founding members:

“Commanders of 16 December 2023, the real co-founders of the MK… I hear you, loud and clear. I stand with you 100 per cent. I will not forsake you.”

The thinly veiled dig at Shivambu—who only joined the party in August after leaving the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)—fueled speculation about divisions within the MK Party.

Will the Apology Be Enough?

While Zuma-Sambudla has publicly apologised, she also stated that she is prepared to cooperate with any internal disciplinary process the party deems necessary.

The MK Party leadership has yet to respond to her statement or confirm whether further action will be taken.

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