Caution: South African youth targeted by alleged job scams in Russia via social media

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has raised alarms regarding reports of fraudulent job offers that are circulating on social media, specifically targeting young South African women aged 18 to 22.

These offers promise enticing work opportunities in Russia, but the department's spokesperson, Cassius Selala, has confirmed that these so-called job offers are not sanctioned by the South African government.

He said that legitimate international employment opportunities facilitated by the government are arranged through formal diplomatic channels and bilateral agreements.

“Young people are urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited offers for international employment, particularly those distributed via social media and other online platforms,” he said.

Earlier, IOL News reported that social media personality and DJ Cyan Boujee travelled to Russia in July as part of a paid influencer campaign. 

At the weekend, she shared a video documenting her trip. 

In the video, she promoted the Alabuga Start programme, highlighting various aspects of its operations.

However, concerns have emerged over the true nature of the programme. 

According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, The Associated Press reported in October 2024 that women from Central and East Africa were recruited via social media to work in a factory in Russia assembling drones intended for use in Ukraine.

Following public backlash and mounting questions over the legitimacy of the programme, several influencers removed their promotional videos.

In South Africa, where youth unemployment remains high, scams targeting desperate job seekers are increasingly common. 

Influencers including Peachy Sprinkles (Siyamthanda Anita), Ghost Hlubi (Khanya Hlubi), Seemah (Sima Mangolwane), and Zillewizzy (Khathutshelo Netshitomboni) also promoted the Alabuga Start programme.

Reports indicate that around 200 women from Africa were employed at a factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, working alongside Russian vocational students - some as young as 15 - in a weapons manufacturing facility. 

Many women only discovered the true nature of the work after arriving, having been promised roles in fields such as hospitality as part of a “work-study” programme.

The women reportedly experienced multiple labour rights violations, including long working hours, constant surveillance, lower-than-promised wages, and restrictions on their freedom of movement and communication. 

Occupational health and safety breaches were also reported, including exposure to chemicals that caused skin injuries.

Selala advised any overseas job or study offer must be verified with relevant authorities, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus