Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has resigned from her role as a member of parliament following alarming allegations that she deceived 17 men into joining mercenary forces fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The controversy emerged as reports detailed that Zuma-Sambudla misled these men under the pretext of lawful military training.
In an affidavit, the former MP claimed she was unaware of the men being sent for combat, believing they were participating in legitimate training programs. Her resignation, according to her party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), was a personal choice intended to focus on ensuring the safe return of those trapped in the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.
Families of the men involved have voiced their desperation, with one brother expressing profound concern for his sibling who shares harrowing experiences from the front lines. He claimed that his brother had been recruited without full understanding and had been threatened for not complying with commands once in Ukraine.
Zuma-Sambudla denied any intentional wrongdoing, stating she is also a victim of deception. Despite her resignation, anger from affected families persists, as they seek accountability and the safe return of their loved ones, which continues to be a crisis for the South African government.
The allegations have raised serious concerns about recruitment practices and the fate of those lured under false pretenses, prompting ongoing investigations into the potential for human trafficking and exploitation.
