MKP urges DA to focus on Steenhuisen’s credit card scandal, not Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla

The MK Party has urged the Democratic Alliance (DA) to redirect its attention towards its leader, John Steenhuisen, and his alleged misuse of a credit card for Uber Eats, rather than pursuing a case against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is reportedly involved in recruitment efforts related to the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

The DA laid criminal charges against Zuma-Sambudla on Thursday for her alleged central role in luring 17 South African men to Russia for what they believed was bodyguard training linked to the MKP.

The charges laid include human trafficking, contraventions of South Africa’s anti-mercenary legislation, and additional offences.

Responding to this, MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “Firstly, the DA is just politicking. I mean, there's nothing more to that. You should be focusing on John Steenhuisen’s credit card and the internal issues. 
We don't have time for the DA.”

He said that the MKP was focused on taking power from the “so-called” Government of National Unity (GNU).

“The DA is more than welcome to open up, whatever case they would like to open up. 
And we have no issues,” Ndlhela added.

However, according to the DA, they received around 100 WhatsApp messages from a group allegedly administered by Zuma-Sambudla.

“These messages show clear coordination in luring at least 22 men to Russia under the guise of 'personal development', 'security training', and even promises of Russian or Canadian citizenship.”

Their families have independently provided consistent testimonies confirming the same pattern of deception, the DA said.

“One mother said her son was “excited for a new life” and believed he would return with foreign citizenship — only to find himself trapped in a warzone.”

According to information gathered by the DA, once the men arrived in Russia, their passports and clothing were burned, their phones confiscated and communication with families gradually cut off until it ceased entirely.

“This directly contradicts every promise made to them and constitutes clear indicators of trafficking and coercion.”

Earlier on Thursday, IOL reported about the MKP distancing itself entirely from the scandal involving Zuma-Sambudla, saying she must speak for herself.

Ndlhela insisted he has no comment and no involvement.

“This is not an MK matter, it’s a Dudu matter,” Ndlhela stressed.

He said “I’m not Dudu’s spokesperson. I’m the MK Party’s spokesperson. That’s important for people to understand.”

The Presidency reportedly confirmed receiving distress calls and has ordered an investigation. Under the Foreign Military Assistance Act, South Africans may not provide military services abroad without state authorisation.

The DA has blamed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for being silent on the matter

“Their silence can only be interpreted as tacit support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” it said.

According to Ndlhela, Zuma-Sambudla has also opened a case on the same issue.

Meanwhile, on Steenhuisen’s credit card, the party has launched a formal investigation after allegations sparked a public clash with senior member Dion George.

The DA’s Federal Finance Chairperson, said he blocked Steenhuisen’s party credit card after spotting transactions he claims were not official expenses.

He claimed the card should only be used for donor meetings or work-related travel, not personal costs.

Steenhuisen denied any misuse, saying he returned the card voluntarily and switched to reimbursements because the card’s admin was “onerous.”

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