Did Ramaphosa Just Thank Putin for Freeing South Africans from the Russia-Ukraine War?

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for assisting in the return of 17 South Africans who were misled into participating in the Russia-Ukraine war. These individuals believed they were travelling to Russia for bodyguard training but found themselves on the front lines instead. Following diplomatic efforts, four have returned home, with more expected soon.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The immediate situation involves the successful return of a group of South Africans who were allegedly tricked into joining mercenary forces in Ukraine. Ramaphosa's government has been actively involved in negotiating their return with Russian authorities. As of now, four men have returned, while eleven others are anticipated to follow shortly. However, two individuals remain in Russia, one receiving medical treatment in Moscow.

Key takeaways

• 17 South Africans were misled into fighting in Ukraine, believing they were going for bodyguard training.
• President Ramaphosa thanked President Putin for his assistance in securing their return.
• Investigations into the recruitment process are ongoing, with allegations of illegal mercenary work under South African law.

Timeline: how we got here

The saga began with distress calls from the men last November, prompting the South African government to intervene. Key dates in the timeline include:

• November 2022: South African government receives distress calls from the 17 men.
• 10 February 2023: President Ramaphosa speaks with President Putin regarding the situation.
• Last Friday (29 September 2023): Four men return home, with others expected soon.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent update involves the confirmation of the return of four men, with a promise that the others will follow. Ramaphosa's office has also disclosed that investigations into the alleged recruitment are ongoing.

What was already established

It was previously known that the men were misled about the nature of their trip to Russia. They reportedly signed contracts in Russian, which they did not understand, committing them to fight in the Ukraine conflict.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The repercussions of this incident may heighten scrutiny on international recruitment practices, particularly for UK citizens who may consider similar opportunities abroad. It raises concerns about the legality and safety of such ventures.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses operating in the security sector, this situation may prompt a reassessment of their recruitment and training protocols, especially concerning overseas assignments.

Policy and regulation

As investigations continue, potential changes to policy regulating overseas military engagements could emerge, affecting not just South Africa but other countries, including the UK, which has similar laws against mercenary activities.

Numbers that matter

• 17: Total number of South Africans allegedly misled into joining the war.
• 4: Number of men returned home as of last Friday.
• 2: Remaining individuals in Russia, one in hospital.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Mercenary: A person who takes part in an armed conflict who is not a member of the regular army of any state and is motivated to take part primarily by the promise of material reward.
• Bodyguard training: A form of training intended to prepare individuals for protecting others, often involving defence tactics and security strategies.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, families of the remaining individuals will likely be awaiting updates on their status and return. The South African government is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As investigations unfold, further legal ramifications for those involved in the recruitment process, including allegations against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, may develop. Depending on the outcomes, it may lead to policy shifts regarding mercenary laws.

Signals to watch

• Updates from the South African government on the status of the remaining individuals.
• Developments in the ongoing investigation into recruitment practices and potential legal actions.
• Changes in regulations surrounding overseas military work and recruitment.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about international travel laws, especially regarding military engagements.
• Consult legal experts if considering overseas employment in security-related fields.

Don’t

• Don’t sign contracts without fully understanding their terms, especially in foreign languages.
• Don’t engage in activities that may contravene local laws or international agreements.

Checklist

• Understand the legal implications of working abroad in security roles.
• Verify the credibility of recruitment agencies before accepting offers.
• Ensure contracts are clear and comprehensible, seeking translation if necessary.
• Stay connected with family regarding overseas assignments for support and updates.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It is important to note that while the South African government is taking steps to address the situation, many uncertainties remain. The legal proceedings against those involved in the recruitment process could yield different outcomes, and the implications for the men who were misled may vary significantly. Furthermore, this incident highlights the risks associated with mercenary activities and the potential for exploitation.

Bottom line

The case of the South Africans misled into joining the Russia-Ukraine war underscores the complexities surrounding international military recruitment and the legal ramifications of such actions. As the situation develops, it highlights the need for vigilance, particularly for individuals considering overseas roles in security.

FAQs

What were the South Africans misled into doing?

The South Africans were tricked into believing they were going to Russia for bodyguard training but ended up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

What is the legal stance on mercenary work in South Africa?

Mercenary work is illegal in South Africa unless authorised by the government.

What is being done to secure the return of the remaining individuals?

The South African government continues to work with Russian officials to facilitate the return of the remaining individuals, with ongoing monitoring of their situation.