“Oksalayo, I STILL Remain His Daughter”: Duduzile Zuma Hits Out After MK Party SG Sibonelo’s Removal

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has made a pointed statement about her relationship with her father, former South African president Jacob Zuma, following his decision to remove Sibonelo Nomvalo as secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The statement, “Oksalayo, I STILL Remain His Daughter,” has drawn attention amid the latest developments within the Zuma-led political movement, where leadership changes and internal disagreements have placed the party under the spotlight.

Duduzile’s words appear to emphasise that, regardless of political developments or differences, her relationship with her father remains unchanged.

The isiZulu expression “Oksalayo” can convey a sense of defiance or insistence, depending on the context. Combined with her declaration that she remains Jacob Zuma’s daughter, the message carries a personal tone at a time when the MK Party is navigating another significant leadership shake-up.

Nomvalo’s removal as secretary-general comes less than two weeks before South Africa’s November 4 local government elections, placing the party’s internal organisational decisions under increased scrutiny.

The MK Party has reportedly raised concerns about decisions allegedly made by Nomvalo without the knowledge or approval of the party’s leadership. Issues surrounding internal administration, councillor selection, salaries and parliamentary affairs have also featured in discussions about the leadership dispute.

Following Nomvalo’s removal, Lindiwe Mtshali was appointed acting secretary-general, marking another change in the party’s organisational leadership.

The development comes at a critical moment for the MK Party as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the local government elections.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has remained a prominent and often outspoken figure associated with the MK Party, which was launched in December 2023 under her father’s leadership.

Her latest statement has attracted interest because of its emphasis on family ties amid the political movement’s ongoing developments.

However, without further context, it would be premature to interpret her words as an endorsement or rejection of Nomvalo’s removal, or as evidence of a disagreement with her father over the decision.

For now, her message places the spotlight on a simple but powerful declaration: whatever happens politically, she still considers herself Jacob Zuma’s daughter.

With the November 4 elections approaching, the MK Party faces the challenge of managing internal organisational changes while maintaining its political momentum.

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