Facing expulsion from the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has finally apologized for berating and insulting Floyd Shivambu on X (Twitter) in an overnight meltdown.

Zuma-Sambudla was immediately called to order by her father, former President Jacob Zuma, and ordered to immediately apologize to Shivambu, the Secretary-General of the party or face expulsion. 

In a major climb down, she obliged and apologized, even though she did not name Shivambu, the target of her insults and disparaging remarks. Neither did she apologise to him personally or directly. 

In a public apology issued on Tuesday, February 11, Zuma-Sambudla said she was apologizing as a committed and disciplined member of the party. 

“While I hold strong and personal views, including serious concerns about internal party matters, my perceptions of how certain issues may be handled within the organisation, especially by the Party’s Secretary General, I fully recognise that such concerns should have been, and shall be addressed through the proper internal channels, as dictated by the core values and principles of the glorious movement of the people. 

“I acknowledge that expressing these grievances publicly was unfortunate and may have undermined the unity, discipline, and respect that defines the MK Party,” she said. 

Zuma-Sambudla added that profanity was not and should not be a reflection of the revolutionary
discipline, respect, and solidarity that the MKP upholds. 

“To President Jacob Zuma of the MK Party, the entire leadership, members, supporters of the MKP, and the people of South Africa, I wish to assure you that I never intended to harm the integrity of the party or the values it upholds. Hence, my deepest apology for any offense caused in this regard,” she added.

She further extended her apology to the structures of the party across the country. 

“Furthermore, I offer formal apologies to all the structures I serve in whose roles and responsibilities I carry with the utmost humility and commitment. I hope my apology is received in the spirit of accountability, revolutionary solidarity and a genuine commitment to upholding the values of the MK Party.

“I am fully prepared and committed to cooperate with any internal processes deemed necessary by the party, as part of my continued dedication to the ideals of discipline, respect, and unity.”

It all started on Monday night when Zuma-Sambudla said Shivambu, the former EFF Deputy President who joined the MKP in September last year, was the “worst thing” to have ever happened to South Africa’s official opposition.

In a series of overnight posts, she launched her tirade by mocking members who joined the MKP recently, calling them mafikizolos (journey come lates). 

The MKP MP 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 that 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!!!”