JOHANNESBURG - The Zuma family is once again at the centre of South Africa's political turbulence.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has spent the week defending herself against accusations related to her public conduct and political activity.
At the same time, former President Jacob Zuma returns to court next week in the protracted arms deal case.
The family maintains a powerful political presence through the MK Party, vocal public interventions, and a support base that can still shift national dynamics.
These overlapping legal battles, political manoeuvres, and public campaigns raise a critical question about the family’s role in South African politics: Are we looking at a political dynasty that continues to wield influence beyond formal office, or a pattern of conduct that critics argue is increasingly destabilising democratic norms?
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To unpack this, eNCA spoke to political analyst Mpumelelo Mkhabela, who cautioned against labelling the family a dynasty.
But in the same breath, he acknowledged their undeniable impact.
"To call them some form of dynasty would be giving them too much credit. But it would also be incorrect not to point out that they are a very influential family, but their influence, although is mostly chaotic."
He argues that this chaos stems from a combination of party political chaos in reference to how the party has poorly managed its internal affairs and ongoing litigation battles as mentioned.
But despite internal fractures within the MK Party, Mkhabela says its presence in Parliament is still a result of democracy.
"They approached voters, and voters supported them, but I’m not sure their supporters fully understand that part of the MK Party’s manifesto seeks to undo constitutional democracy, and that's where the disruption comes in, said Mkhabela.
He also warns of the family's growing impact on South Africa’s foreign policy.
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Mkhabela pointed to allegations that Zuma-Sambudla recruited South Africans to join the Russia–Ukraine war, which ultimately led to her resignation as an MK Party MP.
While the party insists it knows nothing about the allegations, the Hawks are investigating how the recruits ended up in Russia, and the Democratic Alliance has laid criminal charges against Zuma-Sambudla.