South African social media influencers are facing criticism for promoting a Russian programme called Alabuga Start. The programme, which recruits young women from abroad, has been linked to factories that produce combat drones for Russia’s war effort.
Influencers like Cyan Boujee, Seemah Mangolwane, Aya Langa, and Siyamthanda Anita were paid between R50,000 and R150,000 to visit Russia for three days and create promotional content. They promoted the programme as a good work opportunity for young women, offering a salary in Russian rubles.
However, an investigation by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime found that the programme exploits young women. The investigation revealed that participants, often unaware of the true nature of the work, end up handling hazardous chemicals in factories that manufacture military drones.
The influencers have responded differently to the backlash. Seemah Mangolwane apologized, stating she was ignorant of the programme’s true purpose and did not do enough research. “I apologise for being ignorant and putting young people’s lives in danger,” she said. Another influencer, Aya Langa, maintained that her experience seemed normal and that she was told rumours of trafficking were false.
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation has confirmed it will investigate the matter, following public concerns about possible human trafficking. It is estimated that 182 South Africans have been recruited by the programme so far.
The controversy highlights how high youth unemployment in South Africa, which stands at over 46%, can make such overseas offers seem attractive, despite potential dangers.