A daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been sworn into parliament, less than a fortnight after her half-sister was forced to step down.
Brumelda Zuma became one of South Africa's newest MPs on Wednesday, representing uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the opposition party led by her father.
Her half-sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament following allegations that she had tricked 17 men into fighting for Russia as mercenaries in Ukraine. Zuma-Sambudla has denied these accusations.
Brumelda Zuma's appointment suggests the former president intends to ensure his family is represented in parliament. She was sworn in alongside three other MK members, who, the party said, bring a wealth of experience and dedication to parliament.
She stated she would focus mostly on ensuring that South Africans had good public services because that is what I studied. MK noted that Brumelda Zuma holds a degree in public administration.
Previously, she had no national profile, unlike her half-sister who had represented South Africa in the Pan-African Parliament.
MK clarified that it was Zuma-Sambudla's decision to resign as she wanted to concentrate on ensuring the safe return of those trapped in Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
South African authorities have opened an investigation into the recruitment allegations against Zuma-Sambudla after receiving distress calls from multiple citizens who had joined mercenary forces against their will.
The legal implications are serious, as working as a mercenary or fighting for a foreign army is illegal without government authorization in South Africa.
Zuma-Sambudla, who is also facing trial on terrorism-related charges for social media messages posted during protests in 2021, claims she believed the men were going to Russia for lawful training.
Jacob Zuma established MK in 2023 following a significant fallout with current President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party gained prominence in last year's elections, becoming a major opposition party in parliament.
