MK Party Ukraine
Johannesburg, Gauteng – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, faces serious accusations of deceiving 17 South African men into joining Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The men, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, claim they were recruited under the guise of bodyguard training but ended up on the frontlines in the Donbas region. This scandal has sparked outrage, with families pleading for help and the South African government stepping in to address the crisis. As details emerge from leaked documents and distress calls, questions swirl about the party’s motives and Zuma’s direct involvement.
The allegations surfaced amid growing concerns over South Africans being lured into foreign wars, highlighting vulnerabilities like high youth unemployment and false job promises. With the story breaking on 10 November 2025, it has dominated headlines and social media, drawing comparisons to past mercenary recruitments.
The Recruitment Process and Deceptive Promises
The men, aged between 20 and 39, were reportedly approached by MK Party networks with offers of “lucrative employment contracts” for security training. They believed they were heading to Russia to learn bodyguard skills, potentially to protect party officials. Families described how the recruits were instructed to pack lightly – just passports and jackets – suggesting a short, professional trip.
On 9 July 2025, the group flew to Russia via Dubai, excited about the opportunity amid South Africa’s 45% youth unemployment rate. However, upon arrival, their phones were confiscated, cutting off communication. Days later, they learned the truth: they were being drafted into combat. Brief training followed – just three weeks for some – before they were issued Russian uniforms, loaded into trucks, and sent to the frontlines.
Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture: living underground in holes, dodging constant drone strikes, and facing the realities of war without proper preparation. “They were placed in trucks and taken to the bush, where they stayed underground in holes amid constant drone activity,” one report detailed. The men now fear for their lives, with some sending SOS messages to loved ones back home.
Current Situation of the Trapped Men
The 17 men remain stranded in Ukraine’s war-torn Donbas region, fighting alongside Russian forces. At least three may have died, according to unconfirmed rumors, though official numbers stick to 17 survivors. They have appealed directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa for rescue, describing how they were “duped” into signing infantry contracts under misleading circumstances.
Ramaphosa’s office confirmed receiving distress calls, condemning the “exploitation of young and vulnerable people” into mercenary roles. Diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate them, with the government prioritising their safe return over immediate prosecution. Under South African law, joining foreign armies without permission can lead to up to 10 years in prison, but officials are focusing on humanitarian aspects for now.
Families in KwaZulu-Natal are distraught, sharing stories of sporadic contact where the men beg for help. One relative told media outlets that the recruits were “lured by promises of high pay” but now face daily dangers in a conflict they never signed up for.
The Leaked Letter from Jacob Zuma
A pivotal piece of evidence is a leaked letter dated 19 September 2025, allegedly signed by Jacob Zuma and addressed to Russia’s Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. In it, Zuma pleads for the men’s removal from the frontlines, expressing concern that deploying untrained individuals would be a “tragedy” devastating to their families, the MK Party, and Russo-African relations.
Zuma warns of Western media investigations and notes that the party is “suppressing this information” to contain the fallout. He admits the men signed contracts “under patently misleading circumstances,” a common complaint among foreign fighters in Russia’s army who claim they were tricked into combat roles.
The letter suggests Zuma’s direct involvement as a facilitator, raising questions about whether he was aware of the risks or misled by Russian contacts. It also implies previous groups may have been sent, as the party had dispatched members before without full disclosure.
MK Party’s Response and Denials
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela responded cautiously, stating he could not confirm the letter’s authenticity but did not outright deny it. The party has distanced itself from the accusations, claiming no official involvement in recruiting for foreign militaries. However, sources indicate internal knowledge of the arrangement, with some alleging financial incentives from Russia.
Zuma, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not personally commented on the letter or allegations. His close ties to Russia – including past visits and support for BRICS initiatives – add context, but critics question if this extends to mercenary facilitation.
The MK Party, formed in 2023 as a breakaway from the ANC, has faced scrutiny for its radical stances and Zuma’s influence. This scandal could damage its reputation, especially among young supporters drawn to its anti-establishment message.
South African Government’s Involvement and Broader Context
President Ramaphosa’s administration has condemned the recruitment, labelling it a exploitation of vulnerable youth. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) is engaging with Russian and Ukrainian authorities for repatriation. Ukraine’s embassy in South Africa denied the men fought for its side, clarifying they are with Russian forces.
This is not isolated; South Africans have joined both sides of the Ukraine war. Some, like volunteer Peter Fouché, fought for Ukraine and died aiding civilians. Others have been recruited by Russia through false job ads, often targeting Africans with promises of work. Globally, Russia has faced criticism for using mercenaries from poor nations as “cannon fodder” with minimal training.
Legal experts note South Africa’s Foreign Military Assistance Act prohibits such activities, but enforcement is tricky. The government has prioritised rescue, with potential probes into MK Party’s role once the men return.
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