A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.
This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.
The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.
In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.
The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.
Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”
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