Families of South African men caught up in the war in Ukraine say they are cautiously hopeful after government officials assured them that efforts are under way to bring their loved ones back home.
Relatives of some of the men said they recently met with senior officials, who confirmed that preparations have begun to engage relevant authorities and explore ways to secure the men’s return. While no firm promises were made, the families described the discussions as a step in the right direction after months of fear and uncertainty.
At least 17 South African men are believed to have been drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict after being promised security training opportunities in Russia. Instead, they reportedly found themselves close to active fighting zones, fearing for their lives. Since leaving South Africa, most contact with their families has been limited to WhatsApp messages, often sporadic and filled with anxiety.
Some families, however, said they were unaware of any concrete government action and expressed deep disappointment at spending the festive season without news of progress. For them, the pain of waiting continues, with little reassurance about the safety of their relatives.
The situation has also sparked a public family dispute involving the children of former president Jacob Zuma. One of his daughters has opened a criminal case against her sister, accusing her of being involved in luring the men to Russia. Some of the men have claimed they trusted the arrangement because they believed she would be part of the training programme. She has denied wrongdoing, saying she too was misled, but the controversy has already cost her a political position.
Behind the political fallout lies deep personal trauma. One relative, speaking through tears, described the agony of knowing three family members are trapped in the conflict. She said she had been told that two of the men were injured, one so badly that he lost a leg after stepping on an explosive. Another reportedly underwent an eight-hour operation after being hurt in a blast.
She spoke of the emotional torment of sending messages that go unread, watching for a second tick on WhatsApp that never appears. The pain, she said, is made worse by the belief that someone within the family played a role in their suffering.
Other relatives echoed similar emotions, saying the uncertainty has taken a heavy psychological toll. Some confirmed they had attended virtual meetings with government leaders and diplomats, who said investigations had begun and contact with Russian authorities was being established. Still, officials stopped short of guaranteeing that the men would be brought home.
For families who have not received any updates, the silence has been devastating. One woman said she last heard from her relative days ago and has no idea how he is coping. Spending holidays without loved ones, she said, has become a painful reality they have little power to change.
Attempts to get further comment from government departments were unsuccessful, leaving families clinging to hope as they wait for tangible progress.