The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has met with the families of 17 South African men recently repatriated after being caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the meeting served as a humanitarian engagement following their safe return. Government described the intervention as an exceptional measure to preserve South African lives.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that 15 of the men are back in South Africa, while two remain in Russia — one in hospital and the other awaiting final travel arrangements. All 17 have been released from contracts with military contractors.
Lamola warned South Africans to exercise caution when accepting overseas job offers, particularly in high-risk regions, saying government is investigating the recruitment networks involved.
DIRCO also confirmed that two South Africans have died on the frontlines and their families have been informed.
No tags for this post.
