Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Resigns As MK Party Member of Parliament Amid Ukraine Recruitment Allegations

• Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has resigned as a uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament (MP)
• Zuma-Sambudla made the decision amid the recent allegations that she recruited men to fight in Ukraine
• The MK Party is committed to assisting the affected families and ensuring that the men are returned home safely
• A friend of the family spoke to Briefly News about the situation, saying that Zuma-Sambudla was just misled

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

KWAZULU-NATAL – Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has officially resigned as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The announcement was made during a special party press briefing on 28 November 2025, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Zuma-Sambudla did not address the media herself, but was in attendance as Magasela Mzobe, Head of the Presidency, briefed the media.

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He noted her presence but informed the media that she would not be fielding any questions at present.

Zuma-Sambudla voluntarily resigns

During the short briefing, Mzobe explained that Zuma-Sambudla had voluntarily resigned as an MP amid the allegations that she recruited 17 South African men to fight in Ukraine.

Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, has denied being the mastermind behind the recruitment, submitting an affidavit to say that she was misled as well.

Mzobe also noted that the party had no reason to believe that she would lie in an affidavit, and while the matter was not a party issue, it would be communicating with the families of the men to help bring them home.

Mzobe noted that Zuma-Sambudla was also committed to helping ensure that the men were brought back safely.

Family friend discusses the situation

Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, a friend of the family discussed the situation, saying that while they understood the gravity of what Zuma-Sambudla was being accused of, it was important to note that she is a good person with good intentions.

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"Whatever has happened was not something she purposefully planned or concocted. She was misled. Was it smart? No. Should she have consulted others before leaping in? Yes.

But I don’t want people to think that she did it on purpose. Her own siblings are victims here. She would never hurt someone on purpose. She was honestly just naive, and I’ll even say stupid," the family friend said.

Other stories about the men in Ukraine

Briefly News reported that the news about the men trapped in the wartorn area had made headlines

• Bonganini Nkosazana Zuma reportedly opened a criminal case against her sister, Zuma-Sambudla.
• The Hawks confirmed that an investigation into Zuma-Sambudla's alleged involvement was launched.
• A legal expert commented on the case of the South African men who were trapped in Donbas in Ukraine.
• The Democratic Alliance laid charges against Zuma's daughter over her alleged involvement in the situation.

Source: Briefly News