Brumelda Zuma Steps into Parliament as Duduzile Exits

Brumelda Zuma Steps into Parliament as Duduzile Exits

Natalie Nyathi

In a dramatic turn of events, Brumelda Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is set to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament. She will take the seat recently vacated by her half-sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

This change comes after Duduzile’s sudden resignation amid serious allegations of her involvement in a military recruitment scam.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s departure marks the end of her short career in Parliament, which lasted less than two years. Her resignation followed accusations that she lured young South African men, including some of her relatives, to Russia under false pretenses of bodyguard training, only to have them coerced into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

These allegations led to criminal charges against her, including human trafficking and fraud, filed by her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube. Duduzile has denied these claims, saying she was also a victim of a scam. She insists she was misled by a man named Blessing Khoza, who presented the program as a safe and legal training course in Russia.

The MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, is acting quickly to fill the vacancy and strengthen its presence in Parliament. Brumelda Zuma is among four MK Party members who will be sworn in as MPs.

However, her rise to Parliament is not without its own controversies. She has been accused by party leaders of creating divisions within MK Party structures by starting parallel groups in areas where the party operates.

In KwaZulu-Natal, reports say she sabotaged an MK Women’s League event by organizing a competing gathering. Brumelda’s past has also brought attention.