Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Resigns from South African Parliament Amid Russia Mercenary Allegations

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has resigned from parliament following allegations that she recruited 17 South Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, her party confirmed on Friday.

Zuma-Sambudla, a lawmaker for the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party, stepped down voluntarily from the National Assembly and all public roles, effective immediately, according to MK officials.

Nathi Nhleko, MK party national organiser, stressed that the party was not involved in the alleged recruitment and clarified that Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation does not constitute an admission of guilt. “The national officials have accepted comrade Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back safely to their families,” Nhleko said.

Zuma-Sambudla attended the press conference but did not address the allegations, which were reportedly raised by her half-sister. South African authorities said earlier this month that 17 citizens were trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being lured to fight for mercenary forces under false promises of lucrative employment. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate them, with investigations underway into how they were recruited.

South African police have confirmed they will investigate Zuma-Sambudla following a formal request by her half-sister, who accused her and two others of involvement in the recruitment.

Kyiv’s foreign minister has highlighted that over 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine and has urged governments to warn citizens about potential recruitment.