Expert says Zuma-Sambudla praised violence during July 2021 unrest

A social media expert has maintained her testimony that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, at times, expressed appreciation for acts of violence during the July 2021 unrest.

During cross-examination in the Durban High Court, expert witness Emma Saidler clarified that the English phrase “we see you,” Zuma-Sambudla used on social media at that time, does not carry the same meaning as the Zulu greeting “sawubona.”

Ex MK Party MP, #Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, getting ready in the dock in the #Durban High #Court for the resumption of her trial linked to the July 2021 #unrest. Pleaded not guilty to charges of incitement of terrorism, violence on social media under #FreeJacobZuma #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/7kksc5cmOO

— Dries Liebenberg (@DriesLiebenberg) April 13, 2026

Zuma-Sambudla is on trial, facing charges of inciting violence and sedition linked to the unrest.

The court heard that during that period, she posted on Twitter using the hashtag #FreeJacobZuma. She is the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma.