Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, an MP for South Africa's uMkhonto Wesizwe party, has resigned with immediate effect following charges of human trafficking and fraud related to recruiting party supporters for Russia's war in Ukraine. Her half-sister accused her of luring 17 South African men, including family members, under false pretenses for bodyguard training that turned into frontline combat. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the matter.
On November 28, 2025, uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party national chairperson Nathi Nhleko announced Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's resignation from Parliament during a media briefing in Durban. The decision came amid allegations that Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, recruited individuals—including party members and some Zuma family relatives—for what they believed was bodyguard training in Russia. Instead, the men were given military training, forced to sign incomprehensible Russian contracts, and deployed to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine.
Zuma-Sambudla's half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, filed charges on November 22, 2025, accusing her of human trafficking under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, fraud under common law, and violations of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act (RFMAA) 15 of 1998. In her statement, Zuma-Mncube said: “These men were lured to Russia under false pretenses and handed to a Russian mercenary group, Wagner, to fight in the Ukraine war without their knowledge or consent.” Eight of the 17 affected South Africans are reportedly family members. The Hawks have confirmed an ongoing investigation into Zuma-Sambudla.
Zuma-Sambudla briefed MK party officials, including her father Jacob Zuma, at a bimonthly meeting, providing a “full report” on her involvement. She has countered by filing fraud charges against co-recruiter Blessing Khoza, claiming she was duped into believing the training was legitimate. Other alleged recruiters include Siphokazi Xuma-Zuma. The MK party emphasized it was “not involved” and described the issue as “sensitive,” pledging to engage affected families.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) laid separate charges against Zuma-Sambudla on November 27 for human trafficking and breaching anti-mercenary laws, also seeking a parliamentary ethics complaint and oversight committee meetings. South Africa's Constitution, Section 198(b), and the RFMAA prohibit citizens from foreign military involvement without permission from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee. Penalties include fines or imprisonment, though prosecutions remain rare due to evidentiary challenges and lack of international cooperation, according to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Bulelwa Makeke and law expert Dr. Michelle Nel.
Earlier in November, the Presidency reported distress calls from the 17 men and noted President Cyril Ramaphosa's order for an investigation into their recruitment into “seemingly mercenary activities.” Zuma-Sambudla faces an ongoing trial for inciting terrorism and public violence related to the July 2021 unrest.