The decision to appoint Brumelda Zuma—one of former president Jacob Zuma’s lesser-known daughters—to replace Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in parliament has prompted fresh debate within the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).
Several party leaders, who spoke anonymously as they are not authorised to brief the media, warned that internal factions might exploit the move to sow division. Despite this, they voiced support for Brumelda’s deployment as an MP.
– Advertisement –
Political analysts, however, argued that the MKP could have opted for members with established political experience rather than turning to another Zuma family member.
Brumelda steps into the role following Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation from all party activities. Zuma-Sambudla faces allegations of facilitating a trip in which South African men—including relatives—travelled to Russia for security training but were allegedly forced into combat against Ukrainian forces. Criminal charges have since been laid.
Internal MKP Decisions Under Scrutiny
A leaked letter dated 2 November 2025 revealed the internal process behind Brumelda’s appointment. In the correspondence, MKP secretary general Dr Bongani Mncwango informed parliamentary chief whip Colleen Makhubele that national officials had resolved to deploy Brumelda and other members to parliament. Though meant for internal circulation, the letter soon spread across social media platforms.
One party leader defended her appointment, highlighting her activism within an ANC branch in Nkandla before Jacob Zuma’s expulsion from the party.
“She (Brumelda) has university qualifications and was an active ANC Youth League branch activist. Therefore, there is nothing wrong about her deployment to parliament,” said the leader.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Oscar Mabuyane Downplays Deputy President Bid While Chasing Third Term
MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlhela declined to comment on the leadership’s decision, saying, “Unfortunately, I cannot comment on leaked letters; even then, it is not MK protocol to discuss nominees/candidates who aren’t sworn in.” Brumelda also declined to comment.
– Advertisement –
In a media alert issued on 7 December, Makhubele confirmed that Brumelda Zuma, Bongani Mkhongi, Pumlani Kubukeli and Makhosazana Radebe would be sworn in on 10 December at Speaker Thoko Didiza’s boardroom. He said they would bring “a wealth of experience and dedication” to the MKP and the National Assembly.
MKP Promotes Brumelda’s Background on Social Media
The MKP has actively promoted Brumelda online, sharing posts detailing her qualifications and political trajectory. A widely circulated post by MK Party Stan @XFactor079 described her as a committed public servant with a degree in Public Administration.
The post said her political journey included involvement in student politics, branch-level leadership and youth mobilisation, emphasising her passion for serving South Africans.
“She values a deep understanding of government and legislative systems as a key to delivering people-centered services,” the post read. It further credited her with “strong communication, interpersonal, teamwork, time management, and adaptability skills,” adding that she is “a solution-driven leader” committed to uplifting vulnerable communities.
She was also described as “Young and Beautiful, Experience in Student, Branch level politics and Umntana Ka Baba (father’s child).” Images of her in ANC regalia have been shared to highlight her political background.
Analysts Warn of Nepotism and Strategic Missteps
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu criticised the appointment, calling it “the blunder of the highest form”. He alleged that Jacob Zuma himself made the decision, arguing it undermines the MKP’s credibility.
“You cannot make this (MKP) a family thing because after removing Duduzile, only to replace her with her sister, and now in the minds of people it looks like he (Zuma) is making this a family thing,” said Ndlovu.
He added that the party could have filled the role with former MPs who lost their seats after the general election. “Now she is in parliament, earning an income from the taxpayers’ money based on being Zuma’s daughter,” he said.
Another analyst, Susan Booysen, said the MKP’s move was “way out of line with what we usually expect from political parties.”
“This appointment is to build the Zuma brand, as we don’t know whether the new daughter is going to bring embarrassment in due course. It is explanatory to the notion of the MKP being at heart a family enterprise,” said Booysen.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
