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The daughter of ex- South African Leader Jacob G Zuma has pleaded not guilty to terror allegations at the beginning of her trial in the coastal city of Durban city.

The defendant, 43 years old, is being charged over statements she made on digital networks in the past during deadly demonstrations in South Africa that occurred subsequent to the detention of her parent.

A week of disorder in several parts of the country in July 2021, including theft and intentional burning, resulted in at least 300 individuals killed and caused damage worth an estimated $2.8 billion (£2.2bn).

The defendant has been alleged of fuelling this violence and faces accusations of incitement to commit terror-related activities and civil unrest.

History of the Proceedings

The protests were focused in the provinces of Gauteng and KZN and followed the former president's arrest for defying a judicial ruling to testify at an inquiry into allegations of corruption while he was in power.

She has consistently refuted the accusations against her, with her attorney earlier describing the government's case as insufficient.

She has also consistently said the allegations against her were an bid to settle political disputes with her dad after he founded his own political organization and campaigned against the ruling party.

Endorsement and Case Arguments

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

A handful of backers from her political organization, uMkhonto weSizwe, gathered outside the KwaZulu-Natal high court, while her dad and other organization officials attended the hearings inside.

Her legal team has argued that the evidence presented by prosecutors is inadequate and does not have substantial grounds for a conviction.

Main Aspects of the Trial

• Social media posts from four years ago form the foundation of the prosecution's evidence
• Fatal unrest in July 2021 resulted in substantial fatalities and monetary losses
• The individual on trial is charged with multiple charges of encouragement to unrest
• Legal proceedings are projected to continue for several days

The court case continues as all parties present their evidence before the judge in what is expected to be a closely watched judicial process with major politically charged ramifications for South Africa.