South African MP resigns over Ukraine recruitment scandal involving 17 men

A political storm erupts as Jacob Zuma’s daughter steps down. Now, 17 stranded men—and their families—demand answers from South Africa’s leaders.

, and Administrator

2025 November 30 . 3:40 AM

1 min read

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text... — In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

South African MP resigns over Ukraine recruitment scandal involving 17 men

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a South African lawmaker and daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has resigned from parliament. The move follows accusations that she tricked 17 men into joining Russian forces in Ukraine under false promises. Her departure comes as police prepare to investigate the claims at the request of her half-sister.

Zuma-Sambudla, a member of the opposition Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, stepped down voluntarily. Party officials confirmed her resignation took effect immediately but stressed it was not an admission of wrongdoing. MK also pledged support for the families of the 17 men caught in Ukraine’s Donbas region.

The resignation leaves Zuma-Sambudla’s political future uncertain. The 17 South African men remain stranded in a conflict zone, while authorities work to verify the recruitment claims. MK has distanced itself from the allegations but promised assistance to the affected families.