South African authorities are in urgent negotiations with Russia to secure the return of 17 nationals currently fighting in Ukraine. Officials believe the men were deceived into joining the war.
The controversy surrounds allegations against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. She is accused of misleading the recruits into joining the Russian military under false pretenses.
Deception and Broken Promises
The group, which includes two citizens from Botswana, was reportedly recruited in July. according to reports, they were promised legitimate job opportunities, including:
- Training as bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) political party.
- Participation in a personal development program.
However, these promises were broken. Instead of training, the men were allegedly conscripted into the Russian armed forces and deployed directly to the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine.
“Grave Danger”: Diplomatic Intervention
The South African government has prioritized this crisis. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the situation as highly sensitive.
“These young men are in grave danger. We are working with authorities in both Russia and Ukraine to find ways to bring them home safely,” Magwenya stated.
He confirmed that talks are focused on Russian officials, as the men are already embedded in military operations. So far, the Russian embassy in South Africa has not commented on the matter.
A Family Divided
The crisis came to light after officials received distress calls from the men on November 6.
The situation has created a public rift within the Zuma family. Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, another of the former president’s daughters, filed a police report against her sister.
She accuses Zuma-Sambudla of misleading the recruits. Notably, eight of the men involved are members of Zuma-Mncube’s own family.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own report. She claims she was also duped by Blessing Khoza, an alleged recruiter, believing the trip was for a legitimate paramilitary course.
Families in Anguish
The situation has sparked outrage and grief across South Africa. On December 5, relatives gathered outside Durban City Hall to protest. They held signs reading “Bring Them Back Alive” and “Home Is Where They Belong.”
Families describe a harrowing reality. One mother told local media that the men are “slowly breaking down” from mistreatment. Another parent has not heard from her son since late August. In his last call, he feared he was being forced to sign a Russian military contract he did not understand.
READ ALSO: Sierra Leone: Mpox Over, But Survivors Face Stigma
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
