The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) leader, Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Brumelda Zuma, was among several members sworn in as members of Parliament on Wednesday.
After taking her oath, Brumelda said she aims to serve citizens through the People’s Mandate. Bongani Mkongi, Pumlani Kubekeli and Makhosazana Radebe were also sworn in.
BRUMELDA ZUMA
According to the party, Brumelda holds a degree in Public Administration and is a committed public servant who believes a strong understanding of government and legislative systems is essential for delivering people-centred services. She said her academic background aligns with her new role and that the MK Party will work to ensure South Africans have access to public services.
Seemingly addressing speculation around her appointment, the party said Brumelda’s political grounding includes student politics, branch-level leadership, and youth mobilisation.
“Brumelda has developed strong communication, interpersonal, teamwork, time management, and adaptability skills,” the MK Party said.
It added that she is a solution-driven leader dedicated to uplifting vulnerable and marginalised communities.
MK’S FAMILY AFFAIR
Brumelda’s swearing-in follows shortly after the resignation of Zuma’s other daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who stepped down amid allegations that she had dubiously sent young men to join the Russia-Ukraine war. The MK Party’s oath stipulates that members must not associate with external forces seeking to undermine the organisation’s unity.
Infighting and internal conflicts have long affected the party. Before Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation, letters addressed to Jacob Zuma were circulated, one of which called on him to discipline Zuma-Sambudla for interrupting proceedings and causing chaos during a caucus meeting.
The MK Party has previously faced criticism from former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu, who alleged the party was being run as a “family affair”.