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 Russian forces in Ukraine, her party confirmed on Friday.
Zuma-Sambudla, a lawmaker in the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party led by her father, stepped down voluntarily, with her resignation from the National Assembly and all other public roles effective immediately.
Nathi Nhleko, MK’s national organiser, said the party had not been involved in the alleged recruitment and emphasized that her resignation should not be seen as an admission of guilt. He added that the party would assist in supporting the families of the young men.
“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 told reporters.
Zuma-Sambudla attended the press briefing but did not speak and has not publicly responded to the allegations, which were first raised by her half-sister.
The South African government said earlier this month that 17 citizens had become stranded in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being deceived into joining mercenary forces under the promise of lucrative employment.
Authorities confirmed they are investigating how the men ended up in the conflict zone and are working to repatriate them.
South African police announced on Sunday that they would open an investigation into Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals after her half-sister formally requested a probe, alleging their involvement in the recruitment.
The incident is part of a broader trend of African nationals joining Russian forces in Ukraine. Kyiv’s foreign minister recently said more than 1,400 citizens from around 36 African countries have fought alongside Russian troops, urging governments to warn their citizens against recruitment.
Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation raises political and ethical questions as South Africa navigates the delicate situation, balancing the need to protect its citizens abroad with domestic scrutiny over the role of public figures in such incidents.
Source: CNN
Written By Rodney Mbua
