The MKP, in what looks like a cover-up to protect its image, has defended Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who resigned from Parliament on Friday.

The party categorically denying that she recruited young South Africans to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war.

‘Her resignation has nothing to do with admission of guilt or the organisation finding her guilty,’ said Magasela Mzobe, head of the party’s presidency, during a press briefing in Durban.

While Zuma-Sambudla resigned as an MP, she remains a member of the MKP, although she would not be involved in any public engagements. 

News24 says this follows allegations that 18 men, who were expecting bodyguard training, were instead sent to Ukraine’s frontlines.

According to Mzobe, Zuma-Sambudla voluntarily approached police to provide an affidavit, without being summoned by authorities.

The clarification comes after a two-day meeting during which Zuma-Sambudla provided party officials with a comprehensive report about the stranded fighters.

‘The whole intention of today (Friday) was to solely assure our members and South Africans that we are not in some processes of contributing to the fight in Ukraine, from what we read in the affidavit, neither is Dudu herself guilty of recruiting young South Africans to fight in Ukraine.’

The party acknowledged that distressed families had contacted the leadership about their loved ones’ plight, prompting the comprehensive review.

Party leadership has committed to meeting families to explain the situation and assist in repatriation efforts.

‘When the party meets with the families, we might have to share with them some details that she shared, which can’t be shared with the media, but are contained in her affidavit to the police,’ Mzobe said.

Notably, both party leader Jacob Zuma and Zuma-Sambudla were present at Friday’s briefing, but remained silent throughout proceedings, adds News24.

The matter remains under investigation, with the party emphasising its co-operation with all relevant institutions, while maintaining its innocence in the recruitment scandal.

Full News24 report