Zuma-Sambudla issues apology over X attack on Shivambu
uMkhonto WeSizwe member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has issued an ‘unconditional’ public apology following a barrage of profane tweets against the party's secretary general.
In posts published on X on Monday night, Zuma-Sambudla rejected Floyd Shivambu’s leadership, saying he is “the worst thing to happen to the MK Party.”
Responding to her actions, the party issued a statement in the early hours of Tuesday. The party described Zuma-Sambudla's posts as a direct violation of the Party's Disciplinary Code of Conduct.
"Such actions are unacceptable, divisive, denigrating, and offensive. They undermine the principles of unity, respect, and discipline that are fundamental to the values of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party", reads the statement.
MKP president Jacob Zuma gave his daughter an ultimatum to apologise to the party or face possible expulsion.
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In her apology, Zuma-Sambudla, who is the chairperson of the Southern caucus of the Pan African Parliament, said she acknowledged that the manner in which she expressed her grievances about internal party matters was “unfortunate”.
“While I hold strong and personal views, including serious concerns about internal party matters, my perceptions of how certain issues may be handled within the organisation, 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, as dictated by the core values and principles of the glorious movement of the people.”
She goes on to apologise to Zuma, the party’s leadership, members, supporters, and the people of South Africa. However, she makes no direct mention of Shivambu.
“To President Jacob Zuma of the MK Party, the entire leadership, members, supporters of the MKP, and the people of South Africa, I wish to assure you that I never intended to harm the integrity of the party or the values it upholds. Hence, my deepest apology for any offense caused in this regard,” Zuma-Sambudla added.
In compliance with the order given by Zuma, she also apologised to all the structures she serves.
“I am fully prepared and committed to cooperate with any internal processes deemed necessary by the party, as part of my continued dedication to the ideals of discipline, respect, and unity,” she said as she concluded.
Meanwhile, Zuma was seen in Parliament with Shivambu for the State of the Nation Address amid speculation over internal tensions sparked by Zuma-Sambudla’s public outburst.
Additional reporting by Mmangaliso Khumalo
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