The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, has stepped down from her parliamentary position due to serious allegations that she misled 17 men into taking up arms for Russian forces in Ukraine.
Shortly after the accusations emerged, Zuma-Sambudla submitted an affidavit claiming she believed the individuals were traveling to Russia for lawful military training.
The political party she represents, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), announced that her resignation was a personal choice so she could focus on efforts to bring those trapped in Ukraine back home.
Families have voiced their concerns, particularly one brother who has shared harrowing details of the situation faced by the men, who feel abandoned and are in dire conditions as they find themselves in a war zone.
In one communication to family, a member described the horrific realities they were facing, likening it to scenes from movies.
A primary concern is the nature of their recruitment; many of the men, initially promised roles as bodyguards or for security training, were unexpectedly thrust into combat roles under Russian command.
She's just trying to save the reputation of her father's political party… The families want accountability and the return of the men who were tricked into fighting for Russia, said one family member, expressing frustration over the resignation and lack of accountability.
The men had been reportedly recruited with promises of lucrative salaries but ended up as mercenaries. In their communications, they displayed feelings of fear and desperation while seeking help to return home.
Zuma-Sambudla has denied all allegations of intentional deception, asserting that she was also a victim, manipulated into participating instead of serving as a recruiter. Despite her public statement of shock at the event’s outcomes, families of the men are pressing for clarity and action on the government's part to ensure safe repatriation.
In light of the troubling situation, the South African authorities have begun investigating the claims, exploring whether unlawful recruitment or human trafficking has occurred in connection with the dubious circumstances surrounding the enlistment of the South Africans in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As families wait for answers, a prominent member of MK has publicly expressed the party’s support for efforts to negotiate the safe return of the men.
