South Africa is in talks with Russia to secure the return of citizens allegedly misled into fighting in Ukraine.

South African authorities are engaged in delicate negotiations with Russia to secure the safe return of 17 South African men who were reportedly lured into fighting in Ukraine.

Officials allege that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, misled the men into joining the Russian military. The men, alongside two citizens from Botswana, were recruited in July under false promises. They were told they would either receive bodyguard training for Zuma’s political party, uMkhonto weSizwe, or participate in a personal development programme. Instead, they found themselves absorbed into Russian armed forces and sent to the frontlines.

Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the situation as “highly sensitive” during a press briefing. “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,” he said. He noted that discussions are primarily focused on Russian officials, as the men appear integrated into Russian military operations. “The government is giving this matter its highest possible attention,” Magwenya added. Russia’s embassy in South Africa has yet to respond to requests for comment.

The crisis emerged after South African officials received distress calls from the men on 6 November. Later that month, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report accusing Zuma-Sambudla and two others of misleading the recruits. Among the men recruited were eight members of her own family.

Zuma-Sambudla also filed a report, claiming she had been misled by Blessing Khoza, one of the accused, into bringing the men to Russia under the impression it was a legitimate paramilitary course. Attempts to reach Khoza and Siphokazi Xuma, the other alleged recruiter, were unsuccessful.

The situation has sparked protests in South Africa. On 5 December, at least 13 relatives and friends gathered outside Durban city hall holding signs reading “Bring Them Back Alive” and “Home Is Where They Belong.”

One mother told local media, “They are being mistreated and are slowly breaking down. All they want is to come home alive. That’s all we can ask for.” Another said she had not heard from her son since 27 August, when he called to say he was being forced to sign a Russian contract he did not understand, fearing deployment to the frontlines.

The South African government continues to prioritise efforts to secure the safe return of its citizens, amid rising concern over their welfare in an active conflict zone. (ARISE NEWS)

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