ANC Slams Recruitment of South Africans to Fight in Ukraine for Russia

Boksburg – African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has fiercely denounced the alleged recruitment of South Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, branding it the “selling” of innocent citizens.

Mbalula addressed the issue during the ANC’s National General Council in Boksburg, responding to viral X posts (formerly Twitter) from a KwaZulu-Natal father. His son and at least 16 other South Africans were reportedly lured to Russia with false promises of bodyguard training, only to be thrust into the Ukraine conflict.

The scandal erupted earlier this year when Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, was accused by affected families of masterminding the deception. Authorities arrested five suspects, including national radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula.

Four of those arrested face court on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court. They were detained on November 28, 2025, for breaching the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 1998. The Hawks’ probe uncovered a South African woman coordinating the travel and enlistment into Russia’s forces.

“South Africans are being sold by daughters to fight in foreign wars and fund lifestyles,” Mbalula raged. “The law must take its course. Families in KwaZulu-Natal deserve answers and justice—no one should be misled into these conflicts.”