Former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, has finally apologised directly to uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) Secretary General Floyd Shivambu in a fresh public apology.
This comes after she issued a half hearted apology earlier this week in which she grudgingly apologised for insulting and questioning Shivambu’s leadership qualities during her overnight social media meltdown on February 10.
After labelling the former EFF Deputy President the “worst thing” to have ever happened to the MKP, and telling him and his “minions” to “ff**off”, Zuma-Sambudla had issued a half hearted public apology on February 11 as ordered by the former president but failed to mention Shivambu by name.
In another formal letter of apology issued on Friday morning, February 14, the MKP MP tendered a full apology to Shivambu and the party in general.
‘To the Secretary-General of uMkhonto weSizwe Party, my comrade, Floyd Shivambu, President Jacob Zuma, party members, supporters, and the people of South Africa; I sincerely apologize for my recent public posts on X, which have caused offense, division, and disruption within the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and beyond. It was never my intention to undermine the principles of unity, respect, and discipline that are the foundation of our movement,” Zuma-Sambudla said in her public apology.
She acknowledged that her words and actions have violated the MK Party’s disciplinary code of conduct, and said she deeply regretted any harm they may have caused.
“I take full responsibility for my statements and commit to upholding the values and integrity of uMkhonto weSizwe moving forward. Furthermore, I extend my formal and unreserved apologies to all structures I serve in, including the South African Parliament and the Southern Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament. I remain committed to working towards unity, progress and the total liberation of our people,” she added.
Zuma-Sambudla asked to be forgiven by party members and South Africans.
“I humbly ask for the understanding and forgiveness of my fellow comrades and the South African public. I assure you all that I will reflect on this moment and use it as an opportunity for growth, discipline, and renewed commitment to the party’s mission.”
Zuma-Sambudla’s fresh public apology follows an outcry last week that she only apologised to her father, former President Zuma and the MK Party, leaving out Shivambu who was the main victim of her attacks.
The pressure to apologize came after Zuma told her to publicly apologize for her wayward behavior or be shown the door.
It all started on February 10 when Zuma-Sambudla launched her tirade against Shivambu by mocking members who joined the MKP recently, calling them mafikizolos (journey come lates), in what has been seen as part of the MKP’s internal power battles.
Zuma-Sambudla said she stood by those who joined the party when Zuma officially launched it on December 16, 2023, saying those were the “real co-founders”.
When one MKP member responded and reminded her that members “who joined in December 2013 are as important as members who joined on February 10 2025”, Zuma-Sambudla turned against Shivambu, calling on him to call his “minions” to order.
In one X post, she called Shivambu “Mafikizolo (a late comer)”, confirming rumours there are tensions between the two.
“Floyd I’m Not Scared Of YOU!!! Tell Your Minions To … Bloody Mafikizolo’s (sic),” she posted on X.
In other posts she used expletives and strong language against Shivambu. In her last post, Zuma-Sambudla said she expected the MKP to expel her but that would not change the fact that Shivambu is “useless”.
@They Will Expel Me Tomorrow…It Is Well With My Soul. OKSALAYO FLOYD IS USELESS!!!”
