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The daughter of ex- South African Leader Jacob Zuma has entered a not guilty plea to terror accusations at the beginning of her legal proceedings in the harbor city of Durban.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, forty-three, is being prosecuted over remarks she published on digital networks four years ago during deadly demonstrations in South Africa that came after the detention of her father.

A period of disorder in various areas of the country in mid-2021, including theft and fire-setting, resulted in at least three hundred killed and caused damage worth an approximate 2.8 billion dollars (£2.2bn).

Zuma-Sambudla has been alleged of fuelling this unrest and is charged with accusations of encouragement to commit terrorism and public violence.

History of the Proceedings

The demonstrations were centered in the provinces of the Gauteng province and KZN and came after the previous president's apprehension for ignoring a legal directive to testify at an inquiry into claims of corruption while he was serving as president.

She has repeatedly refuted the allegations against her, with her lawyer in the past labelling the government's evidence as unsubstantiated.

She has also repeatedly stated the allegations against her were an effort to settle political scores with her dad after he founded his own political organization and competed against the ruling party.

Endorsement and Legal Defense

This was echoed by the foundation, which said the proceedings was an "misuse of authority" and a "organized effort" of "politically motivated and kinship harassment" against the former president and his family.

A handful of followers from her party, her party, gathered outside the judicial building, while her dad and other party leaders attended the hearings inside.

The defendant's representatives has maintained that the proof presented by government lawyers is insufficient and lacks substantial proof for a guilty verdict.

Key Points of the Legal Proceedings

• Online comments from four years ago form the core of the prosecution's case
• Deadly protests in July 2021 resulted in major casualties and financial losses
• The accused is charged with multiple allegations of encouragement to unrest
• Judicial trials are expected to continue for multiple weeks

The court case continues as all parties present their evidence before the court in what is expected to be a carefully observed legal battle with substantial politically charged ramifications for South Africa.