The political drama surrounding South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has taken a new turn as his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, prepares to stand trial on terrorism-related charges. The 43-year-old parliamentarian is accused of inciting violence during the deadly July 2021 protests through her social media posts. The unrest, triggered by her father’s imprisonment for contempt of court, resulted in widespread looting, arson, and over 300 deaths, causing an estimated $2.8 billion in damages. Prosecutors allege that Zuma-Sambudla played a pivotal role in fueling the chaos by sharing incendiary content on Twitter, including images of burning vehicles and calls for a province-wide shutdown. Her posts, accompanied by hashtags like #FreeJacobZuma and the Zulu word “azishe” (meaning “let it burn”), are central to the case. Zuma-Sambudla has denied the charges, with her lawyer dismissing the prosecution’s case as “weak.” During a preliminary hearing, she wore a shirt emblazoned with “Modern Day Terrorist,” a move interpreted as a jab at the accusations. The trial marks a significant moment in South Africa’s legal history, as it is the first time someone has been charged with incitement to terrorism via social media. Critics argue the case is politically motivated, targeting Zuma-Sambudla due to her father’s opposition to the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Jacob Zuma, now leader of the rival uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has been a polarizing figure, with his presidency marred by corruption allegations. His daughter, once a low-profile figure, has emerged as his staunchest supporter and a prominent MK member. The trial is expected to draw intense public interest, with experts questioning the prosecution’s ability to meet the high evidentiary bar required to prove intent and causation. Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to further entrench the Zuma family’s role in South Africa’s political landscape.