Ex-president's daughter sworn in as South African MP after half-sister quits

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete December 10, 2025 at 02:02 PM

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Brumelda Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, was recently sworn in as a Member of Parliament representing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. This follows the resignation of her half-sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, from the same position less than two weeks prior. Zuma-Sambudla stepped down amid allegations of recruiting South African men as mercenaries for Russia's conflict in Ukraine, which she denies. The MK party, led by Jacob Zuma, stated Brumelda Zuma brings public administration expertise to parliament. Zuma-Sambudla is also facing terrorism-related charges for social media posts during 2021 protests and maintains her innocence. Police are investigating the mercenary recruitment claims, as South African law prohibits citizens from serving as mercenaries without government authorization.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russia 40% Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube 50% Ukraine 50% Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla ×360% Brumelda Zuma ×270% Jacob Zuma ×480% South Africa ×280%

Keywords

jacob zuma 90% south african politics 90% umkhonto wesizwe (mk) 80% duduzile zuma-sambudla 80% parliament 70% mercenaries 70% russia 60% ukraine 60% public services 50% criminal investigation 50%