By Marcus Moloko
The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party has confirmed that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has resigned as a Member of Parliament.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Durban on Friday.
MK party national spokesperson Nathi Nhleko said Zuma‑Sambudla had formally tendered her resignation, and the decision was accepted without contest.
According to Nhleko, her departure is linked to her ongoing efforts to assist in ensuring that young South Africans currently stranded abroad are safely reunited with their families.
“She has tendered her resignation, and as a party we have accepted it. We support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back to their families,” said Nhleko.
Her resignation follows a criminal complaint laid over the weekend by her half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, who accused Zuma-Sambudla and two others of recruiting 17 South African men who travelled to Russia on promises of work or training, but were instead handed to a mercenary group affiliated with Russian forces.
During the briefing, Nhleko said the party wished to clarify its position regarding speculation that it was involved in matters relating to the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.
Nhleko said party leaders stressed that the MK Party has no role in international disputes of this nature and that Zuma‑Sambudla’s resignation should not be interpreted as evidence of such involvement.
“It has become apparently clear that the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party is not involved in the Russia‑Ukraine matter, ” Nhleko stressed.
The MK party’s objective was to engage directly with the families of the young South Africans affected. It would hold meetings to explain its position, while reassuring families of the steps being taken to ensure the safe return of those caught in difficult circumstances abroad.
The MK Party said it will hold meetings to explain its position, reassure families, and outline steps being taken to ensure the safe return of those caught up in difficult circumstances abroad.
The resignation comes at a significant moment in the MK Party’s parliamentary presence, as Zuma‑Sambudla has been one of its most visible figures since the party’s entry into the National Assembly earlier this year.
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