South African Citizens Trapped in Ukraine's Donbas Region Amid Conflict

Thu Nov 06 2025 16:10:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The South African government is investigating the recruitment of its citizens into mercenary roles in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an inquiry following distress calls from 17 trapped individuals.

Seventeen South African nationals, aged between 20 and 39, have found themselves stranded in Ukraine's war-torn Donbas region after reportedly joining mercenary forces. The South African government is conducting an investigation into their recruitment and is working through diplomatic channels to secure their return home. President Ramaphosa condemned the exploitation of vulnerable young people amid high unemployment rates in South Africa.

South Africa's government has confirmed that it has received distress calls from 17 of its citizens who have joined mercenary forces in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. These individuals, aged between 20 and 39, are reportedly trapped in the Donbas region, which has been significantly impacted by the war.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into how these young men were recruited for such activities, with a government spokesman noting that the circumstances surrounding their enlistment are under scrutiny. The spokesperson did not specify which side of the conflict these South Africans are supporting.

It is important to note that operating as a mercenary or engaging in military service for other nations is illegal in South Africa unless authorized by the government. Reports suggest that the individuals may have been lured into joining mercenary forces under the promise of lucrative contracts.

Spokesman Vincent Magwenya stated that the South African government is actively utilizing diplomatic channels to facilitate the safe return of these trapped citizens. Sixteen of the individuals hail from KwaZulu-Natal, while one is from the Eastern Cape.

President Ramaphosa expressed his condemnation regarding the exploitation of vulnerable youth by foreign military groups, emphasizing the necessity for protection, especially in a country facing an unemployment rate exceeding 30%.

Analysts attribute the recruitment vulnerabilities to high unemployment rates among South African youth, exacerbating the risk of exploitation by military entities.

In addition to South Africa, other African nations have also experienced issues with their citizens being recruited for conflict zones, highlighting a growing concern over the exploitation of vulnerable populations amid geopolitical tensions.