
'Take drugs, tweet nonsense': Floyd Shivambu fires shots at Duduzile?
Without naming her, former MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu took shots at his political party nemesis, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, whom he has accused of taking drugs.
The shock comment was made during a briefing on Thursday, 19 June.
In February, Duduzile was forced to apologise over her foul-mouthed X rant directed at Floyd.
During the surprise briefing, Floyd Shivambu addressed several topics, including an interest in possibly establishing his own political party.
The former MK Party Secretary-General also used the opportunity to making shady comments about being members of the ANC, which he claimed was 'run by scoundrels' and the EFF, which he labelled a 'cult'.
Referring to his own party, Floyd Shivambu made a comment many believe was directed at Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of the founder, Jacob Zuma.
He said, 'When you raise issues internally, you don't need to gossip about them anywhere. All the issues and concerns I had about MK, I raised internally, even against all odds. When there is an opportunity to raise an issue about wrongdoings. I clearly speak against untouchables who take drugs, tweet at night, and insult us.'
He added: 'We confront them and say 'What is this about?''
In February, Duduzile apologised to MK Party members over an expletive-ridden X rant, in which she tagged Floyd Shivambu.
In it, she called out Floyd for not being a founding member of the MK Party, which he joined after ditching the EFF.
Floyd has since been stripped of his position as MK Party's Secretary General after he bragged about visiting Prophet Shepard Bushiri.
Floyd Shivambu is not the only person who has hinted about Duduzile Zuma Sambudla's alleged drug use.
The X account @Goolam – known for its controversial political views – claimed that Dudu was known as a 'party animal' and frequented
Posting about her bitter 2017 split from husband Lonwabo Sambudla, the account tweeted: 'She lives in a house worth R20 Million. She lives an extremely extravagant lifestyle. The 42-year-old Duduzile is a regular fixture at top nightclubs around Sandton. She is a party animal.
'She allegedly spends hundreds of thousands of rands at these venues ordering bottles of champagne and other alcoholic beverages. Many allegations of her and cocaine, but that's a story for another day'.
In 2021, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was accused of encouraging the July unrest, where properties and stores around the country were looted, vandalised, and torched. During the period, over 70 people are reported to have died in violent confrontations.
The daughter of the former president retweeted several videos of the violence, which was a direct reaction to her father's incarceration on contempt-of-court charges shortly before. Floyd Shivambu and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in happier times. Image via X: @floydshivambu
Duduzile was later charged with contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA) and incitement to commit violence.
She will appear in the Durban High Court again on 14 August.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Floyd Shivambu to step out of the shadow of Malema and Zuma, but his future is uncertain
Floyd Shivambu, the perennial sidekick, faces an uphill battle on his own. Floyd Shivambu is charting a path similar to the one Jacob Zuma once took, as he looks to establish a new political party, despite still holding membership in the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party. This marks his first solo move in a competitive political landscape. Shivambu's political career began in the ANC Youth League, where he was the spokesperson during Julius Malema's time as president. In this era, the two were known for their radical rhetoric and support for the nationalisation of key industries. Shivambu was expelled from the ANC under former president Jacob Zuma's leadership, in 2013 a year after Malema was expelled from the party. They co-founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). As a founding member, Shivambu played a major role in shaping the party's direction and ideology, which is rooted in Pan-Africanist principles. Shivambu held the position of deputy president for more than 10 years, staying with the party through its best and worst times. The EFF had a strong start in the 2014 general elections, winning 6.35% of the vote. In 2019, it grew its support to 10.79%. But by 2024, support dropped to 9.52%, which can be attributed to a number of reasons, including growing tensions inside the party as well as the rise of rivals, such as the MK party. Shivambu was Malema's second in command, seen as a key strategist to support his commander-in-chief's mercurial charisma. (Both are linked to unlawful funds the party received from VBS Mutual Bank.) Eventually, they had a falling out, apparently over Malema's belief that Shivambu was a potential rival. On Thursday, 19 June, Shivambu said leaving the EFF was the most politically sound decision he had taken, adding that while he was with the red berets, the collective leadership held a meeting in which they unanimously agreed that Malema was not fit to lead the party. 'We were legitimising rubbish, and there was no way that one could dedicate their intellectual muscles and work when in practice this thing we said we were standing for is not principle…' 'We reached the same conclusion that we are not being fair if we say that this comrade [Malema] can lead this country,' Shivambu said. 10 months with MK In August 2024, Shivambu defected to the MK party, and within weeks he was parachuted into the roles of national organiser and eventually secretary-general. Discontent quickly surfaced in the party's leadership ranks. Among those who opposed his appointment were senior party members who pointed out that just three months earlier, during the May 2024 general elections, he had actively campaigned against the very party he now represented. His biggest detractors included Zuma's daughter, Duduzile, who on one occasion publicly insulted him, with comments that he was 'the worst thing that happened to MK', 'useless', and calling him 'Mafikizolo', which loosely translates to 'newcomer'. Read more: How Floyd Shivambu caused his own MK party downfall On Thursday, 19 June, in what appeared to be comments directed at Duduzile, Shivambu said: 'Even against all odds, if there is an opportunity to raise an issue about wrongdoing, I will speak and clearly speak against the untouchables, people who take drugs and tweet at night and insult us.' During his tenure at the MK party, he played an important role, contributing to establishing the party's constitution, establishing branches and putting systems in place. However, at some point, he was accused of attempting to centralise financial control of the party, with claims that he sought sole authority over its funds. On Thursday, he revealed that part of the reason he was removed as secretary-general (SG) was the belief that he was plotting to dethrone Zuma. He claimed the former president is surrounded by 'political scoundrels' who are siphoning off millions from the party. He boasted he 'left' the ANC when it was above 63% in Parliament, when it had power, suggesting that he was hardly bothered by the MK party possibly expelling him when it wasn't in power. Zuma, when he faced a disciplinary hearing in the ANC, had the same posture. 'This thing of political parties thinking that people are desperate for membership must come to an end,' Shivambu said. Against old allies Shivambu announced on Thursday that he would be embarking on a consultative process to establish whether there is an appetite for a new party. This comes two weeks after he was removed as SG over his controversial Easter Weekend visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi. His announcement of a consultative process brought more questions than answers, including how the process and the party itself will be funded. 'Funding for what when we do not have an organisation? We are going to listen, we are in a listening session, and if MK thinks that listening is a cause for termination of membership, so be it,' Shivambu said. The process mirrors what happened when Shivambu and Malema started the EFF. They initially embarked on a series of consultative meetings before launching the party. Shivambu's political career shows a clear pattern. He aligns himself with bold, revolutionary movements, but often parts ways when leadership strays from his ideals or when internal power struggles emerge. It remains unclear what the core tenets of this new political formation are, but it may become a little clearer next week when he announces what he said would be an interim structure to lead the consultative process. For now, he has indicated that the structure will consist of representatives from provinces across the country. Based on his history, Shivambu is likely to form a party that supports radical economic change, including land expropriation without compensation, state-led industrialisation, and the nationalisation of key industries. These are ideas he has pushed since his time in the ANC Youth League and the EFF. His ideology may still lean towards Pan-Africanism, but with a more practical approach. With his background in the Youth League and student activism, he's also likely to focus on young people, especially on issues such as education, jobs and housing, aiming to win back younger voters who feel ignored or disappointed with current political options. His possible party will enter a competitive landscape, where smaller parties have proliferated as the ANC's dominance continues to decline and more breakaway parties, and splinters of the breakaway parties, contest each election. He boasted on Thursday that he's done political work in every corner of the country, but he has no clear constituency and cannot rely on a Malema or Zuma to draw support. Those whom he chooses to partner with will be key in drawing support. Shivambu's new party has the potential to draw support from EFF members who are dissatisfied with the party's direction under Malema or disillusioned by internal divisions. Some of these individuals see Shivambu as the intellectual force or strategic brain behind the EFF's early success. He stands little chance of drawing voters away from the MK party as it is strongly built around Zuma's identity. However, he might attract younger supporters and those who are frustrated with the party's lack of structure, and those with the growing perception that the MK party is a tribalistic movement and is being run as a family business. DM


The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Housewife to 'Hottest MP': Duduzile Zuma's qualifications revealed
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – the daughter of Jacob Zuma and supposed arch nemesis of Floyd Shivambu – is widely known for her shock X rants and raunchy TikTok videos. But what qualifications does the self-proclaimed 'hottest member of parliament' have? Since taking up rank in the MK Party, the mother-of-two has been criticised for her lack of political experience and general knowledge. She has also been accused of abusing drugs – allegations she has yet to address. Duduzile is the twin sister of Duduzane, who has also gone into politics. Their mother – the late Kate Mantsho – died in 2000 in an alleged suicide. After being indirectly embarrassed by Floyd Shivambu, all eyes are on Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's next move. While some await another heated X rant, others want to know how Zuma's daughter is qualified to govern in the MK Party's inner core management. Speaking to DJ Warras on The Shady Podcast last year, Duduzile revealed that she had no political experience. While she graduated from Wits Business School – for a qualification she did not disclose – she considered herself a stay-at-home mom and housewife. Did Floyd Shivambu accuse Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla of taking drugs? Images via X: @floydshivambu @ZumaSambudla/ In the lead-up to the official launch of the MK Party, Duduzile embarked on her first political campaign with her father, Jacob Zuma. She said of politics, 'I love it. I have a bit of understanding of it now.' When asked if she was considered MK Party top brass, she confidently added: 'My father is the head. But I am the neck.' She added: 'I sit in the core. I vote with other comrades; we make decisions, we debate.' Amid the public criticism, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla urged South Africans to give her a chance to prove herself. During last year's vote count, the estranged wife of Lonwaba Sambudla was ridiculed over her comments about the MK Party's mission. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Duduzile was questioned on what the MK Party could offer South Africans. She responded: 'The same kind of government that we had under President Jacob Zuma, those amazing nine years, very similar. Speaking to the Sowetan , Duduzile Zuma was again questioned on the agenda of the MK Party. She said: 'Doing what the President said under his economy, which is great. We will just go back to that. Because the economy under Cyril Ramaphosa was dismal'. When asked to elaborate on two key points in their economic plan, Duduzile responded: 'We'll probably look at things like the repo rate to assist in bringing down food prices or whatever. Things to alleviate poverty and too much strain on the pocket of the people'. In the midst of it, Duduzile told the Daily Maverick: 'It is something I'm still learning and overwhelmed by. But happy to be here and part of the change the country and the world needs.' Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's history with the controversial Gupta family is no secret. Both Duduzile and her twin Duduzane were hired to work for the brothers Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh's Sahara Group company. The daughter of Jacob Zuma was given the title of director at Sahara Computers in 2008, months before he was elected president of South Africa. She later resigned amid public scrutiny. The brothers – who alongside Zuma's son Duduzane were accused of fraudulently securing government tenders – have since fled South Africa amid charges of treason, racketeering, extortion, fraud, and forgery. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Floyd Shivambu reveals 'the truth' behind his firing as MK Party Secretary-General
Mashudu Sadike | Published 3 hours ago Former uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has revealed that his removal from the position was due to a fake intelligence report claiming he wanted to overthrow party leader Jacob Zuma. Shivambu made the revelation during a media briefing at the Mhulu Hotel in Midrand, Johannesburg, where he also announced plans to consult with South Africans on forming a new political party. According to Shivambu, the fake intelligence report alleged that he was accumulating supernatural powers to make people disappear and was plotting to dethrone Zuma as party leader. However, Shivambu rejected the report with contempt, stating, "It was extremely bizarre and a fake intelligence report that I was about to overthrow Zuma and that I had supernatural powers to make people disappear." Shivambu claimed that Zuma is surrounded by "political scoundrels" who are taking advantage of his age and kindness to influence him to make decisions that favor their agendas. He further alleged that these individuals are siphoning off millions from the party and that his leadership was being undermined. Shivambu's demotion was announced by the party on June 3, with the reason cited as his visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri's church in Malawi over the Easter weekend. However, Shivambu maintained that this was not the real reason for his removal. He said Zuma had initially agreed to his trip to Malawi, but later reversed his decision after being influenced by those around him. 'I last spoke to President Jacob Zuma when we had the press conference in Durban when I was relieved of my duties. I thanked him for having given me an opportunity to serve as a leader in the organisation,' he said. Shivambu further said Zuma agreed to him when they were visiting Namibia that he could go to Malawi. 'He said ngiyakhumbula (Zulu for I remember)...then he said yebo (yes)," Shivambu revealed. Shivambu's future in the party has been uncertain since his removal as secretary-general. In response, he announced that he would consult with various communities and groups to gauge whether he should launch his own political party. This move comes after Zuma's scathing speech, where he took a veiled swipe at Shivambu, saying the party would not beg anyone who did wrong, no matter how popular they were. Shivambu emphasised that he remains a member of the MK Party and will not resign, despite the uncertainty surrounding his membership. "I'm saying that we are going to consult with the people of South Africa and if uMkhonto weSizwe believes that going to listen to people violates that constitution then it will tell me that." However h e took a swipe at both leaders of his former organisations, the EFF and the MKP saying members of the respective parties don't have courage to face their leaders when they are wrong. 'Everybody knew I was leaving EFF. We all discussed it and reached the same conclusion that we are not being fair to society that this comrade (Malema) would lead the country. We all agreed, even with the people that are leading the EFF now. 'For those who are saying if he wanted to destabilise the party I would have started a faction inside and caused ructions. In the coming months, Shivambu plans to consult with traditional leaders, church leaders, and different institutions to determine whether there is a need for a new political party. He emphasized that this would not be a personal project but rather a representation of the people's will. Shivambu said he would never join the ANC because it was disorganised and the EFF a cult. MKP spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela had not yet responded to any questions at the time of going to print. However sources within the MKP said that Shivambu had played a huge gamble and was probably going to be expelled for saying that he did not care if he was expelled. Political analyst Sandile Swana believes Shivambu's move is a clear indication that he is forming an alternative political party. "There is no question that the step that Floyd has taken today is forming an alternative political party. An alternative to the MKP and a new home for disgruntled EFF, MKP, and ANC members." Swana further noted that Shivambu's actions are similar to Zuma's, who makes decisions outside of formal structures and is guided by those around him. "Floyd is the accumulation, manifestation, and personification. A younger version of a chaotic Zuma. This is the apex of political chaos, that is Floyd." [email protected]