Was Zuma's daughter recruiting for Russia's war?

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from her parliamentary position on Friday following shocking claims that she manipulated 17 South African men into joining a Russian mercenary group deployed in Ukraine. Zuma-Sambudla, who became a lawmaker in 2024 under the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, is currently the subject of a police investigation, though she denies involvement in the allegations.

Investigations began after her half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, submitted an affidavit accusing Zuma-Sambudla of luring South African men with promises of lucrative jobs, only to have them sent to fight in Ukraine. The case has revealed internal tensions within the Zuma family, which has faced controversy for years.

Zuma-Sambudla has been a contentious figure in South African politics, similar to her father, whose tenure was plagued by corruption scandals. She previously appeared in court over accusations related to inciting the 2021 riots that resulted in over 350 deaths.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

The affidavit filed on November 22 alleges that Zuma-Sambudla, along with Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, recruited 17 men under the guise of a yearlong security training program in Russia, promising they would return to South Africa afterward. Instead, the men were handed over to a Russian mercenary group to fight in Ukraines Donbas region. At least eight of those recruited were members of the Zuma family.

Zuma-Mncube stated that the actions violated South African laws against trafficking, unauthorized foreign military service, and fraud. She urged authorities to take swift action to ensure the mens safe return.

One recruit described being contacted by Zuma-Sambudla in July to join a security training program in Russia, only to be sent to the Ukrainian frontlines six weeks later. Another man confirmed that recruiters, including Zuma-Sambudla, arranged travel from South Africa to Ukraine.

Government and Police Response

South African officials reported receiving distress calls from the 17 men, aged 20 to 39, requesting extraction from the conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed police to investigate. Foreign Minister Richard Lamola said talks were ongoing with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to secure the mens repatriation.

Five additional individuals were recently charged in connection with attempts to recruit South Africans for Russia. Among them is radio host Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula, accused of facilitating travel and recruitment. The group is facing charges under laws prohibiting foreign military assistance.

Legal Context

South African law strictly prohibits participation in foreign military operations without government authorization. The 1998 Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act bans mercenary activities and criminalizes recruiting, training, or financing mercenaries. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The Constitution and other labor laws also forbid trafficking and forced labor.

Police have not formally charged Zuma-Sambudla. Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that decisions on charges would follow a thorough investigation.

Analysts suggest the case is unlikely to impact South Africas diplomatic relations with Russia, as both nations are members of BRICS and the G20, and recent cooperation has strengthened under President Ramaphosa.

Zuma-Sambudlas Statement

Zuma-Sambudla claims she was herself deceived by a contact promising security contracts in Russia. She insists she only participated in controlled, non-combat activities and later sought to intervene when she learned recruits, including family members, were sent to Ukraine.

Political Fallout

Zuma-Sambudla had served as a parliamentarian for MK since June 2024, the opposition party founded by her father after his expulsion from the ANC. MK President Magasela Mzobe stated her resignation was aimed at assisting families with the safe return of the men and was not an admission of guilt.

The Democratic Alliance party has filed a lawsuit against Zuma-Sambudla for human trafficking and recruitment for mercenary activities, alleging coordinated efforts to lure South Africans under false pretenses. Some men were returned to South Africa, while others remain abroad.

Author: Sophia Brooks