**Urgent: South African Teenagers Recruited in Russia for Military Drone Assembly**

In a shocking revelation that threatens to unravel South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Russia, reports have emerged that young South African women, aged 18 to 22, are being lured to Russia under false pretenses, only to find themselves assembling Iranian-made kamikaze drones intended for use in the Ukraine conflict. The recruitment, orchestrated by a Russian company, initially promised lucrative salaries, free housing, and career development opportunities. Instead, these young women are reportedly subjected to grueling 12-hour workdays in hazardous conditions, monitored by surveillance cameras, and facing dire exploitation.

Since 2022, approximately 300 South African women have been ensnared in this alarming scheme, with plans to recruit up to 8,000 African workers by 2025. The promise of a better life has turned into a nightmare, as many now express regret and feel trapped in a situation they did not fully understand. They were misled into believing they would be working in hospitality and construction, not military operations.

The South African government has launched an investigation into these recruitment practices, suspecting potential human trafficking and fraud. This scandal poses significant risks to South Africa’s previously neutral stance in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, raising questions about the integrity of Russia’s engagement in Africa.

As anger grows among South Africans, the implications of this recruitment scandal could lead to a seismic shift in public opinion and diplomatic relations. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as families grapple with the harsh realities faced by their daughters, caught in a web of deceit and exploitation. The world watches closely as South Africa confronts this crisis, demanding accountability and transparency in the face of rising tensions.