ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has condemned the alleged recruitment of South Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, calling it a “selling” of innocent citizens.
Mbalula was responding to reports about South African men allegedly misled into traveling to Russia with promises of bodyguard training. Earlier this year, former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, was accused by families of being involved in the recruitment. Police confirmed the arrest of five suspects, including a radio presenter, for allegedly violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
Mbalula questioned why “innocent sons of our country [are] being sold by daughters to fight foreign wars to fund lifestyles” and stressed that the law must take its course. He said the affected families, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, deserve answers and justice.
Why are innocent sons of our country being sold by daughters to fight foreign wars to find lifestyles. The law must take its cause and our people must see that justice is being done. The families in KwaZulu Natal deserve answers and justice. https://t.co/najrQcvbnQ
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 27, 2025