&#x2018What type of father sells his own kids?&#x2019 ANC one-ups Zuma, MKP as war repatriation begins

President Cyril Ramaphosa had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin recently about

Contributor/Getty Images

The ANC is riding the wave of what it deems a political victory against the MK Party.Ramaphosa announced he had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about cooperation between the two countries,as well as the the 17 men stranded in Ukraine.MK Party president Jacob Zuma tried,and apparently failed,to get them back home.The ANC is riding the wave of what it sees as a political victory for President Cyril Ramaphosa – the successful repatriation of members of the Zuma family and the MK Party (MKP) who were trapped on the frontlines of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The first group of four – who were among 17 men lured to Russia under false pretences and found themselves fighting on Russia’s side against Ukraine – returned home on a flight from Moscow via Dubai on Wednesday afternoon.

Most of the allegedly trafficked young men are party members and some are from the Zuma clan.

MKP president Jacob Zuma reportedly tried,to use his perceived relationship with Russia to bring them back home in December.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ | First group of South Africans lured to Russia lands at OR Tambo

On 11 February,Ramaphosa announced he had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about cooperation between the two countries,as well as the the 17 men stranded in Ukraine.

Fast-forward to Wednesday,18 February,the first four men arrived home.

During the State of the Nation Address’ parliamentary debate on Wednesday night,Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola stuck it to the MKP when he addressed the House in isiZulu and spoke about how the men were returned home.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said: “President Ramaphosa spoke to President Putin to work together to bring the young men – whom ubaba uZuma sold – back at home.”

Lamola added:

What type of father sells his own children?

MPs on the MKP’s bench were visibly irritated and attacked Lamola for speaking “broken isiZulu” and ridiculed him for his skin tone.

MKP leader Des van Rooyen said Lamola was “casting aspersions” on Zuma,who was watching on from the gallery.

Meanwhile,the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal commended Ramaphosa’s “decisive leadership” in securing the safe return of the four men.

ANC provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said: “These young men,many of whom originate from KwaZulu-Natal,were allegedly lured by false promises of lucrative security employment and bodyguard training opportunities.

READ MORE | After Duduzane Zuma joins MKP presidency,Duduzile is its go-to as Mzobe moves posts

“Instead,they became entangled in one of the world’s most devastating armed conflicts.”

Sibisi said the exploitation is both chilling and unacceptable.

“The ANC welcomes the fact that President Ramaphosa’s leadership and sustained diplomatic engagement,including direct discussions with President Vladimir Putin,have demonstrated that South Africa does not abandon its people,even under the most complex international circumstances.”

Sibisi said it should be noted that,in terms of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998,participation in foreign wars without authorisation is unlawful.

“This incident must serve as a stark warning against criminal recruitment networks that prey on unemployment,vulnerability and false promises of opportunity abroad,” Sibisi said.

The ANC called for a probe into all those involved in the saga.