Brumelda Zuma Poised to Replace Duduzile in Parliament as MK Party MP

Keeping it in the Family? Zuma’s Daughter Brumelda Set to Enter Parliament as MK Party MP

After Duduzile steps down amid controversy, another Zuma steps up.

South African politics has never been allergic to drama, and the latest development inside the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party circles adds yet another twist. Brumelda Zuma, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament, filling the seat left vacant by her half-sister Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who resigned last week.

A leaked party letter, dated 2 December 2025 and reportedly seen by The Citizen, suggests that the MK Party is preparing to deploy new MPs to the National Assembly. The correspondence, penned by secretary-general Bongani Mncwango, describes the move as a strategy to “fortify the MK Party’s robust presence” and advance its “revolutionary agenda.”

According to that letter, Brumelda’s name is on the list.

Who is Brumelda Zuma?

Outside political circles, Brumelda is remembered for a lighter moment. In 2019, during her graduation at the University of Zululand, Jacob Zuma serenaded her with “Umshini Wami”, leaving the hall cheering and proving that the Zuma family knows how to command a room whether on stage or in Parliament.

Now, she may be trading academic robes for green benches in Cape Town.

The MK Party has yet to officially confirm her deployment, with national spokespersons still expected to comment which may come with its own headlines when they do.

Why Did Duduzile Step Down?

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s sudden resignation last week didn’t happen quietly. She faces allegations linked to the recruitment of young South African men who reportedly ended up in Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

The accusations stem from a case opened by her half-sister Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who claims Duduzile was involved in what was presented to recruits as VIP protection training, only for them to allegedly land in an active war zone. Duduzile, however, insists she was misled, and filed her own complaint, naming one Blessing Khoza as the supposed orchestrator.

The matter is currently under investigation by the Hawks (DPCI), while the DA has filed charges ranging from human trafficking to violations of foreign military assistance laws.

In short, controversy out, new Zuma in.

Public Reaction, Déjà Vu or Dynasty?

South Africans online haven’t held back. Comments range from amused disbelief to political fatigue:

“Zuma family reunion in Parliament?”
“We left one, we gained another, recycling at its finest.”
“Let the Hawks finish their work. For now, Parliament remains a Zuma playground.”

The MK Party has marketed itself as a new political voice, yet its leadership and candidates often circle back to familiar surnames. The appointment raises a broader conversation about political dynasties in South Africa something we’ve perhaps grown used to, even if we roll our eyes while reading the headlines.

A New Chapter or the Same Old Story?

Will Brumelda step into Parliament with fresh ideas and a clean slate, or will she inherit the weight of family expectations, loyalty politics, and public scrutiny?

Until she is officially sworn in, we wait, but the symbolism is already loud. In the MK Party, the Zuma legacy is not fading, it is multiplying.