Businessman and politician Duduzane Zuma said he will be contesting the general elections next year, stating “change is necessary.”
Duduzane told SABC News reporter Simphiwe Makhanya and video journalist Thulani Ngcobo in Durban he will stand as an indepent candidate in the 2024 general elections.
He said the upcoming elections will be “pivotal”.
Duduzane Zuma for president?
Big changes are coming, whether it is in the form of coalition-based government, or whether the ruling party drops under the 50% mark in the electorate.
The son of former President Jacob Zuma believes he “most definitely” stands a chance, since most South Africans “have taken the backseat; people have become despondent.”
It’s ‘game on’
He said while most are willing to just “sit back and wait”, he doesn’t have time time for apathy: “There’s a need for change, so I definitely believe it’s ‘game on’,” he said.
“We tried to do the change route within the ANC, but it hasn’t worked. So, we will do it outside of the ANC.”
When asked if he was still a member of the ruling party, Duduzane said that would be for the party to decide. The said the ANC clothed him, fed him, schooled him.
“The ANC is not just a political party; it’s a history, it’s an institution. … But the only way to make a difference is to charter a new path.”
‘Not my father’s spokesperson’
He said while he appreciates the guidance from his elders – and in particular, his father, who he approached for counsel – Duduzane said he doesn’t “want to be stuck in consultation.”
“When we stay in consultation mode and opinion mode, decisions are not being made”
When asked about his former connection to the Gutpas, he said he hasn’t spoken to any of the family members in three or four years.
“I’m on my journey now. I don’t know where they are, I’m not their spokesperson, I’m not my father’s spokesperson. I can only speak for myself.”
Go big or go home.
The news of Duduzane Zuma’s candidacy for the 2024 elections sparked skepticism, considering his controversial history.
Culpable homicide
He was acquitted of culpable homicide charges from a 2014 car crash which caused two fatalities – an initial inquest found him not guilty.
The case was re-opened in 2018 at the behest of AfriForum, but the court heard how the death of one of the passengers was unrelated to the injuries she sustained during the accident.
Duduzane was also implicated in the state capture scandal that marred Jacob Zuma’s presidency.
State capture inquiry
Duduzane took to the stand in 2019 when he was implicated by numerous witnesses, largely due to his business relationship with the Guptas.
Then in June 2022, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo concluded that Duduzane acted as a “conduit” between the Gupta family and the government.
READ: Zondo: Duduzane Zuma acted as a conduit between Guptas and government
Duduzane took his presidential ambitions to TEDx last year, where he shared the stage with actress Amanda du Pont and Miss South Africa 2022 finalist, Tamsyn Jack.
TEDxSandton
The TEDxSandton event was attended by an audience of 200 people, and Duduzane said it was the type of event South Africa needed:
“We need more of this, more round tables, more seminars, more events to educate our people.”
At the time, he told The Citizen’s Brian Sokutu his vision for South Africa is a country “built by South Africans from all walks of life – putting their racial, religious, social, economic differences aside.”
He said the only way to usher in peace, prosperity, safety and security – “not for some but for the entire population” – is to work together.
