In Africa, it’s a common tradition for sons to follow in their father’s political footsteps, often inheriting their father’s political party and eventually assuming leadership roles. However, the Zuma family’s political trajectory deviates from this norm.

Former President Zuma, recently departed from his own party, the ANC, to throw his support behind a newly formed party, Mkhoto we Sizwe, led by his daughter Duduzile, the twin sister of Duduzane Zuma. This move has sidelined Zuma himself, as Duduzane publicly announced the establishment of his own party, All Game Changers, during an interview with Newzroom Afrika’s morning edition on February 12th. This development suggests internal tensions within the Zuma household.

With each member of the Zuma family aligning themselves with different political parties for the upcoming elections, Duduzane’s All Game Changers party aims to bring about social and economic change in South Africa.

When asked why he chose not to join forces with his father under the Mkhonto Wesizwe banner, Duduzane expressed his belief in the need for youth leadership. While some South Africans agree with his criticism of the ANC, many doubt his suitability for national leadership alongside his father.

Meanwhile, Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the only Zuma remaining in the ruling party, announced last month her intention to step away from parliament next year. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former wife of President Jacob Zuma and once seen as his successor, lost out to the current President Ramaphosa. It remains unclear whether she will join her husband’s new party, Mkhonto Wesizwe, or advise her son Duduzane.

As speculation mounts about the Zuma family’s political allegiances, one can’t help but wonder about their discussions during family gatherings. Will they collectively support a single political party, or will their diverging interests lead to further fragmentation?