By Marcus Moloko
The resignation of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla from Parliament has raised questions about the future of MK Party and, more specifically, the succession plan of its central figure, former president Jacob Zuma.
The MK Party confirmed on Friday that Zuma‑Sambudla, daughter of Jacob Zuma, had formally tendered her resignation.
National spokesperson Nathi Nhleko announced the decision during a press briefing in Durban, stating that the party had accepted her departure without contest.
“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,” Nhleko said.
According to the party, her resignation is linked to her involvement in efforts to assist young South Africans stranded abroad. The MK Party also clarified that it is not involved in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, despite speculation surrounding Zuma‑Sambudla’s alleged role in recruiting 17 South African men to fight in Ukraine.
Charges against her raise questions
Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation comes when she faces mounting legal challenges. She is currently in court for allegedly inciting violence linked to her father Jacob Zuma, during the unrest in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng in July 2021.
Now Zuma-Sambudla faces a fresh case related to the departure of 17 South African men to Ukraine, allegations that have further complicated her political standing.
MK party insists it has no involvement in international disputes, although the controversy has cast a shadow over Zuma Sambudla’s role and credibility.
For her father, the resignation of his daughter raises questions. Is his succession plan in trouble?
Zuma-Sambudla has been visible in the MK party since its entry into the National Assembly. This could be a decision made in alignment with her father’s political legacy and prominence. A candidate to carry forward Zuma’s influence.
Her resignation and ongoing legal battles muddy her suitability as a successor. This would mean Zuma would have to look elsewhere within the MK Party for a figure who could sustain his political project while maintaining the party’s momentum politically.
Thee MK party currently relies on Jacob Zuma’s leadership and charisma. Without a clear successor, the party risks losing cohesion and direction. Possible alternatives could include senior party figures who have shown loyalty.
The party’s long-term viability may be compromised.
During MK Party’s briefing, Nhleko stressed that the MK Party’s immediate priority is to engage with the families of the young South Africans affected by the Ukraine controversy.
He reiterated that the party’s focus is domestic, not international, and that Zuma‑Sambudla’s resignation should not be interpreted as evidence of foreign entanglement.
“It has become apparently clear that the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party is not involved in the Russia‑Ukraine matter,” Nhleko said.
Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla’s resignation is more than a personal decision — it is a turning point for the MK Party. With her facing charges of incitement and allegations of recruiting fighters for Ukraine, her departure raises doubts about Jacob Zuma’s succession plan.
The question now is whether Zuma can identify another figure capable of carrying his political legacy forward. Without a clear successor, the MK Party risks being seen as a one‑man project, dependent entirely on Zuma himself.
There are competent party members such as:
Des van Rooyen – former finance minister and now an MK MP
Mzwanele Manyi – former government spokesperson and prominent Zuma ally
Brian Molefe – former Eskom CEO, now serving as an MK MP
Mandlakayise John Hlophe – former Western Cape Judge President, now in Parliament under MK, Colleen Makhubele, Nathi Nhleko – MK Party National Chairperson, Adil Nchabeleng, Gugulethu Mchunu, Hazel Htombenhle Mbele, and others.
Their political experience and visibility make them potential candidates for leadership roles should Jacob Zuma seek to establish a clear succession plan.
However, the infighting within the MK Party noted throughout 2025, with multiple resignations, new appointments, and internal disputes, signals that there may be no single figure currently positioned as a clear successor.
While things may change in the future, for now, the question of succession remains unresolved, and onlookers will continue to ask whether Zuma’s political project can survive without his direct leadership.
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