Zuma’s Daughter Resigns Amid Allegations She Misled 17 South Africans Into Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

A deepening political scandal has engulfed South Africa after Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, resigned as a Member of Parliament following alarming allegations that she facilitated the recruitment of 17 South Africans who were later sent to fight as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Her resignation comes amid mounting public pressure and anguished pleas from families whose loved ones remain trapped in a war zone, sending desperate voice notes describing terrifying conditions.

The Recruitment Scheme: How It Allegedly Worked

According to testimony gathered by the BBC, several South African men travelled to Russia in July after allegedly being promised opportunities for “counter-intelligence training” and “bodyguard certification” under the auspices of the opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). Zuma-Sambudla, an MP at the time, had reportedly encouraged or legitimized the operation.

One of the victims, referred to as Sipho for his safety, left South Africa on 8 July. In voice notes shared with the BBC, he said he was recruited by two individuals — one of them Zuma-Sambudla herself. He believed he was heading to a legitimate training programme.

“Things you see in the movies, we’re seeing them live,” Sipho said in one of the recordings.

His brother Xolani, who remains in South Africa, says his family is devastated and furious:

“He’s living in fear… When night comes, he doesn’t know if he’ll survive. This resignation means nothing to us. We want accountability.”

Arriving in Russia — and the Shock That Followed

The men were reportedly flown to Russia with their tickets paid for. Upon arrival, they were presented with contracts written entirely in Russian — a language none of them understood.

According to Xolani, the group contacted Zuma-Sambudla and another recruiter, asking for help. Instead, the two allegedly travelled to Russia and persuaded the men to sign the contracts.

Shortly afterward, the recruits were transported to Ukraine.

Sipho recounts in his messages that he and others were taken to Donetsk:

“We’re about 10km from the frontline… They told us it was safe — but this place is worse. As soon as we arrived, there were drone attacks.”

WhatsApp Groups Filled With Panic and Fear

The BBC reviewed video screen recordings from a WhatsApp group used by the men. Messages show mounting fear:

• “We thought we were going somewhere safe, but this is worse.”

• “Three drone attacks when we arrived.”

• “If anything happens, guys… until next time.”

At one point, a contact named “Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla” entered the chat, urging the men to “hang in there” and promising that “everything possible” was being done.

Zuma-Sambudla’s Defense: Claims She Was Also Manipulated

In an affidavit submitted to police, Zuma-Sambudla denied knowingly misleading anyone. She described herself as “profoundly shocked” and claimed she was also a victim:

“I would never knowingly expose my own family or any other person to harm. I was deceived and manipulated.”

Her affidavit indicates she herself previously received non-combat training in Russia arranged by a man she barely knew.

Police Investigation Underway

Both Zuma-Sambudla and her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, have filed criminal complaints against each other. The elite Hawks unit confirmed it is investigating possible:

• human trafficking,

• illegal recruitment,

• exploitation,

• fraud.

Zuma-Mncube says:

“Seventeen men — eight of them my family members — were lured under false pretenses and handed over to a Russian mercenary force.”

MK Party Attempts to Distance Itself

MK officials state that Zuma-Sambudla resigned voluntarily.

“The party supports her efforts to bring these young South Africans home,” MK chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko said.

However, families insist the party must take responsibility.

A Growing Transnational Recruitment Pattern

According to Bloomberg, similar recruitment activities have taken place in Botswana. Vulnerable men were allegedly targeted with promises of lucrative contracts — only to find themselves in active conflict zones.

Despite assurances, the South African government has not yet succeeded in repatriating the trapped citizens.

Families Wait in Fear

Xolani says:

“We can go five days without hearing from him. We fear we’ll get news he didn’t make it.”

Sipho’s last known message reads:

“It’s tough here… we just want to come home.”

The case raises urgent questions about political accountability, underground mercenary networks, and Russia’s expanding recruitment strategies across Africa.