'Anxious and in need' - South Africans allege they were deceived by Zuma's daughter into supporting Russia

One of the South African men caught in Ukraines Donbas region, after reportedly being recruited to fight for Russia, has shared the terrifying experiences he and others have endured. He described the situation as "things you see in movies, were living them." In urgent voice messages sent to his family, the 40-year-old said he was among a group of South Africans deceived into joining the conflict and is desperate to return home.

For safety, the BBC is identifying him as Sipho, and his brother, who remains in South Africa trying to secure his release, as Xolani. Xolani said, "He lives in fear because he has no idea what the future holds or what will happen when night falls, as they are constantly in a war zone."

Sipho told his family he was recruited by two individuals, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, now leading the opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). "They even bought us flight tickets to Russia," he said in one message. Zuma-Sambudla denied misleading anyone intentionally, expressing shock and saying she herself was a victim of deception.

Xolani explained that his brother left South Africa on July 8, expecting to receive bodyguard training for MK. The party did not respond to BBC inquiries but plans a press conference to address the "Russia-Ukraine matter." Formed in 2023, MK takes its name from the ANCs former military wing that fought apartheid. Zuma founded MK after splitting from the ANC following disagreements with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Another South African woman told the BBC that her brother was recruited for "counter-intelligence" and "bodyguard" training with MK, joining because he was unemployed. He did not anticipate being deployed on the battlefield under Russian commanders. "They are treated like slaves, told what to do, and threatened if they resist," she said.

Xolani added that upon arrival in Russia, the recruits were given contracts in Russian, which they could not understand. They then contacted Zuma-Sambudla and the other recruiter for help, trusting them enough to sign. In a voice note, Sipho said they were sent to Ukraine in early August, separated, and he ended up in Donetsk, near the front line.

A WhatsApp group shared with the BBC showed the men expressing fear over their deployment. One wrote, "We were told we were going to a safe place, but ended up deeper in danger. When we arrived, there were three drone attacks." Another said, "If anything happens until next time." A contact under the name Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla attempted to reassure them: "Hang in there, we are doing everything we can."

Zuma-Sambudla filed an affidavit with police after her half-sister accused her of recruiting South Africans under false pretenses. South Africas Hawks police confirmed investigations are ongoing to determine if crimes such as human trafficking, illegal recruitment, or exploitation occurred.

In her affidavit, Zuma-Sambudla stated she believed the recruitment was for lawful training and denied any intention to harm anyone. She described herself as a victim of deception and manipulation. Zuma-Mncube, her half-sister, claimed 17 South Africans were lured to Russia and handed to a mercenary group to fight in Ukraine without consent, including eight family members.

The South African government confirmed receiving distress calls from 17 citizens trapped in Donbas after being misled into joining mercenary forces. Some were injured or returned to Russia due to medical reasons. Reports indicate others were recruited from Botswana. Diplomatic efforts to bring them home have not yet succeeded.

Xolani described his familys anguish: "We can go five days without hearing from him because hes engaged in military activities. The family worries constantly about his safety." In voice notes, Sipho repeatedly appealed: "Its tough here we all just want to come home."

Analysis: South Africans Trapped in Donbas

The situation facing South African citizens in Ukraine’s Donbas region highlights a disturbing pattern of deceptive recruitment for foreign conflicts. Reports indicate that at least 17 South Africans were misled into joining forces aligned with Russia, with some transported from Russia to the front line under unclear circumstances. Firsthand accounts describe conditions that are both dangerous and coercive, including threats and separation from peers.

The involvement of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a political figure linked to the MK party, underscores the complexity of recruitment networks. While Zuma-Sambudla denies intentional wrongdoing, authorities are investigating possible crimes including human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The recruits reportedly signed contracts they could not understand and were deployed in active combat zones without prior knowledge or consent.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but relief for the families remains limited. Distress calls continue, highlighting the urgent need for structured repatriation and legal accountability. This incident serves as a cautionary example of how citizens can be exploited by misleading promises of training or employment, ultimately placing them in life-threatening situations far from home.

Sources:

• 'Scared and desperate' - the South Africans who claim they were duped by Zuma's daughter to fight for Russia