These men, aged between 20 and 39, are currently trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into how these young South Africans were recruited into mercenary activities, though it remains unclear which side they were fighting for. South African law prohibits working as mercenaries or fighting for another government unless expressly authorized by the state. The government indicated that the men were lured with promises of lucrative contracts, and is pursuing their return through diplomatic channels. Most of the men are from KwaZulu-Natal, with one from the Eastern Cape. Spokesman Vincent Magwenya condemned the exploitation of young, vulnerable people by individuals connected to foreign military entities and emphasized the government’s commitment to their safe return. Analysts note South Africa’s high unemployment, especially among youth, which can make young people targets for recruitment. The broader context highlights Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, with Africa Corps—a Russian mercenary group under the Ministry of Defence—having displaced Wagner in West Africa after its leader’s death. The situation echoes prior warnings from South Africa about social media recruitment for jobs abroad, particularly in Russia. Internationally, Ukraine has faced allegations of recruiting foreign nationals to fight, and governments such as Kenya and Nigeria have criticized or cautioned against such recruitment drives. (BBC)