Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is facing allegations of recruiting young men from South Africa and Botswana to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
The recruits were reportedly misled into believing they were participating in a bodyguard training program, but instead found themselves signing military contracts written in Russian and being deployed to combat zones.
The South African government has launched a formal investigation into the matter, with President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering a probe into how its citizens were recruited to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Jacob Zuma has reportedly written to Russia’s Defense Ministry, requesting the removal of 18 South Africans from the combat zone, citing that they were misled into signing infantry contracts.
The allegations have sparked concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young men and the country’s ties with Russia. Duduzile Zuma has yet to respond to the allegations, but her father has been vocal about his support for Russia.
This incident highlights the broader issue of African nationals being recruited to fight in foreign conflicts, often under false pretenses. Ukrainian officials estimate that over 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces.