By Rorisang Modiba
- South African influencers promoted Alabuga Start, a Russian programme later exposed as human trafficking that forced women to build drones in unsafe conditions.
- The government warned young people not to trust online job offers, urging them to check with authorities first.
South African social media star Cyan Boujee, real name Honour Zuma, and several other influencers have allegedly been promoting a Russian programme that is linked to human trafficking.
In July, Cyan Boujee shared a paid video about the Alabuga Start programme. Others, including Peachy Sprinkles, Ghost Hlubi, Seemah and Zillewizzy, also endorsed it.
The programme was advertised as a chance for Africans to study and work in fields like hospitality. But investigators discovered that about 200 African women were sent to a factory in Tatarstan, Russia. There, they were forced to assemble drones for the war in Ukraine.
On arrival, the women had their passports taken away and were placed under strict surveillance. Many worked long hours, were paid less than promised, and suffered skin damage from unsafe chemicals.
Clayson Monyela, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said the programme showed clear signs of human trafficking. He confirmed that one South African woman has been rescued and brought home.
He warned young people not to fall for online job offers promoted by public figures. “If something looks too good to be true, get a second opinion. Contact DIRCO or an embassy before you go,” he said.
The influencers have since deleted their posts. CrimeWatch_RSA confirmed the programme is under investigation.
Under the Advertising Regulatory Board’s Social Media Code, influencers must tell the truth in paid posts and disclose when they are being paid.
Pictured above: Cyan Boujee.
Image source: @cyan.boujee24
