Bloomberg News has revealed explosive allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, played a central role in the events that led to 17 South African men being trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region. The men, who believed they were travelling to Russia for legitimate employment and training opportunities, now claim Zuma-Sambudla is the mysterious “Russian Recruiter” who facilitated their journey into a war zone.
Zuma-Sambudla, a prominent political figure and vocal supporter of Russia, is already facing charges unrelated to this case. She is currently on trial in the Durban High Court for allegedly inciting the deadly July 2021 unrest that followed her father’s arrest. The riots resulted in more than 350 deaths and an estimated R20 billion in economic damage. Now, new allegations add further controversy to her public image.
According to Bloomberg’s investigation, Zuma-Sambudla allegedly persuaded the men to travel to Russia by telling them they would undergo “security-guard training” and later return to South Africa to work for uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), Jacob Zuma’s political party. She reportedly assured the recruits that she had completed the same training herself and that the opportunity would open pathways to secure employment back home.
However, when the men arrived in Russia, they were presented with documents written entirely in Russian—documents they believed were training agreements. Only later did they discover the papers were actually military contracts binding them to serve alongside Russian forces. Their bank cards and cellphones were confiscated, raising alarm that they had been trafficked or coerced.
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Distressed and confused, the men reached out to Zuma-Sambudla for clarification. Instead of raising concerns, she reportedly dismissed their fears, telling them, “This is not the front line. They are just trying to scare you.” She insisted that they would merely perform support duties such as patrolling, cooking, or cleaning weapons. Zuma-Sambudla allegedly promised to personally intervene if they were sent to active combat areas.
The situation took a more serious turn when the men contacted the South African embassy and pleaded for help, declaring that they were trapped in a war zone and feared for their lives. Initially, officials suspected they were mercenaries—South Africans are prohibited from fighting for foreign armies without government approval—but further investigation suggested they were victims of deception and possible human trafficking.
Neither Zuma-Sambudla nor the MK party has issued a response to the allegations.
This incident follows a similar scheme reported three months earlier, when influencers lured South African women to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs. Once there, the women discovered the positions involved handling munitions for the Russian military. After public outrage, the influencers responsible issued apologies.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has urged South Africans to stay vigilant when seeking foreign employment. DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela warned the public to thoroughly verify all international job offers, especially those involving Russia and the Middle East. “If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he cautioned.
As investigations continue, questions remain about how the men will be safely returned home, and what consequences—if any—Zuma-Sambudla may face if the allegations are confirmed.
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