Although it has its benefits, being related to prominent and powerful figures can prove to be a challenge when your achievements and accolades are constantly questioned because of the proximity to these people.
This is the case for Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma after she announced her appointment as Chairperson Of The Southern Caucus Of The Pan-African Parliament.
Situated at the heart of Midrand, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) “is intended as a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision making on the problems and challenges facing the continent,” their website explains.
Its inception aimed to further the involvement of Africans in discussions and decision-making as far as the continent is concerned.
The PAP’s former chairperson, Hon. Pemmy Majodina was forced to revoke her membership and consequently vacate her position as chairperson of the caucus after being elected the South African government elected her as the next Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Recently, Duduzile Zuma took to her socials to share the exciting news of her filling the esteemed vacancy.
“In a keenly contested election held today, Hon Zuma-Sambudla, polled 17 votes, while her contender, Hon Mdumiseni Ntuli, polled 12 votes. Out of the 45-membership of the Southern Caucus, only 29 were present at the meeting during the elections,” the PAP’s website explains.
“Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself… Newly Elected Chairperson Of The Southern Caucus Of The Pan-African Parliament!!” she captioned the post.
Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself…
Newly Elected Chairperson Of The Southern Caucus Of The Pan African Parliament ✊?!!!
#GwazaMkhontoGwaza pic.twitter.com/RiKkeJyCzU
— Hon. Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) November 5, 2024
Although the PAP’s election process is quite meticulous and is kept under scrutiny, internet users have expressed concern as to whether Duduzile was given the position based on merit, or whether it was because of her relation to one of the most powerful and influential p[political and social figures South Africa is yet to see.
Then we’ll wonder why Africa isn’t going anywhere ?????
I can’t wait for her contribution… “My father this, my father that, repo rates, my dad, zumasm, gwaza, my father”???
— SA X Defense? (@MzansiXD) November 5, 2024
Kanti this thing ihamba njani in SA parliament you never said anything no point of order just sit there and get paid end of the month, How did you qualify to be a chair in Pan African Parl maar here we never saw you saying anything in our parliament, I’m not fighting just asking pic.twitter.com/Ct13Yot5Eg
— Back to reality (@thabs116) November 5, 2024
Other users highlight the irony of Duduzile taking up such a powerful and important position as a Pan-Africanist while she cannot speak any native African language.
Others highlight her minimal or non-existent contributions to mzansi’s parliament, expressing how the optics of her appointment garner negative assumptions from those who have followed Hon.Duduzile’s political career closely.
Lol she can’t speak any indigenous languages, she only speaks English and Portuguese.
Not different from Jan Van Riebeck
— RET ARE THIEVES (@malalaveve) November 5, 2024
Dudu has never made an input in SA parliament I suspect because of her intellectual limitations now she leads a big caucus ??? https://t.co/vfurdUp2Zx
— Clarissimo ?? (@Off_Sid3) November 5, 2024
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