- By Shivangi Sharma
- Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A growing controversy in South Africa has intensified concerns over Russia’s alleged recruitment of African nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine. The scandal erupted after former South African resident Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, was accused of luring 17 men, including several relatives, to Russia under the false promise of a year-long security training programme.
The accusations were detailed in an affidavit filed on November 22 by Zuma’s niece, Sinethemba Zuma-McNube, who alleged that the men were handed over to a Russian mercenary group upon their arrival and sent to the front lines in Ukraine’s Donbas region. The case has shed light on Russia’s efforts to bolster its fighting force amid a shortage of recruits, while also exposing long-standing historical ties between Moscow and leaders linked to South Africa’s former liberation movement.
Historic Ties And Modern Tensions
Jacob Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018, received military training in the Soviet Union during the apartheid era. His African National Congress (ANC) maintained strong relations with Moscow, a connection that continues to influence political networks in the country. However, Zuma’s own legacy deteriorated after he stepped down amid corruption scandals and was expelled from the ANC in 2024.
The Recruitment Allegations
According to Zuma-McNube’s sworn statement, Zuma-Sambudla and two associates, Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, promised the men specialised security training in Russia, followed by stable employment in South Africa. However, the recruits were allegedly deceived and placed under the control of a Russian private military group, later deployed to active combat zones.
Zuma-McNube said the accused violated South African laws governing human trafficking, foreign military assistance, and fraud. She urged authorities to fast-track diplomatic efforts to bring the men home.
A father of three, interviewed by The New York Times, said he received a call in July from someone claiming to be Zuma-Sambudla, inviting him to join the training programme. Six weeks into his stay in Russia, he was unexpectedly given military fatigues and deployed to the battlefield.
Zuma-Sambudla Denies Wrongdoing
In a counter-statement submitted to police, Zuma-Sambudla claimed she herself was a victim, saying she had been misled by Blessing Rhulani Khoza, who allegedly contacted her on WhatsApp with offers of lucrative contracts. She said she travelled to Russia independently and participated only in “non-combat, controlled activities,” believing the programme to be legitimate.