‘It is not encouraging looting': Duduzane Zuma responds to criticism over his ‘loot responsibly’ advice

20 July 2021 - 12:00 By cebelihle bhengu
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Former president Jacob Zuma's son, Duduzane, has denied instigating violence. File photo.
Former president Jacob Zuma's son, Duduzane, has denied instigating violence. File photo.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu

Former president Jacob Zuma's son Duduzane has denied instigating unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, saying what he said in a viral video last week was taken out of context.

The controversial businessman came under fire for telling protesters and looters to do so “carefully and responsibly”. The 12-minute-long video was shared on Instagram. 

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Duduzane said those condemning his view should listen to the rest of the video clip. He said the video was recorded about four days into the demonstrations and sought to clarify that he had not instigated the unrest. 

The incarceration of the former president triggered violent protests and demands for his release by supporters in KZN. The unrest later spread to Gauteng. 

“It is definitely not encouraging looting,” said Duduzane. 

“I think people are trying to focus on a certain voice clip and are blowing it out of proportion. There are comments that I made leading up to that point and I think there is some sort of misunderstanding or confusion.

“If you play the entire clip, you will understand what it is I was trying to say.”

In the controversial video, Duduzane claimed poverty, inequality and unemployment are to blame for the unrest, saying people were bound to protest against these issues. He repeated calls for the release of his father before making the controversial comments.

“For the people that are protesting and looting, please do so carefully and please do so responsibly because you cannot hold people responsible for defending what they love,” he said.

Among Duduzane's critics was puppet Chester Missing, who questioned the logic behind his advice. Missing asked whether he gave the same advice to former SA Revenue Service (Sars) boss Tom Moyane, who was fired by President Cyril Ramaphosa amid allegations of corruption.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now