An influencer you trust will say they “did not know” when you are stuck in Russia working in a weapons factory.
Over the weekend, South Africans were outraged by videos posted by some local influencers on Tik Tok and Instagram, promoting Russia’s Alabuga start programme, under the guise of a study programme.
According to Bloomberg news, the Alabuga Start is currently being investigated by Interpol, an international criminal police organization, for human trafficking. It is alleged; the company hires women from Africa between the ages of 18 and 22.
Amongst the South African influencers who promoted the programme were Cyan Boujee (Honour Zuma), Peachy Sprinkles (Siyamthanda Anita), Ghost Hlubi (Khanya Hlubi), Seemah (Sima Mangolwane), and Zillewizzy (Khathutshelo Netshitomboni). They each have over 500,000+ followers on TikTok and Instagram.
Their posts promoted a two-year study-work programme, paying between $551-$681 (R9700-R12,000) a month for jobs in sectors such as hospitality, catering, production operator and transport.
According to Independent Online News (IOL) and News24, when these young women arrive in Russia, their job descriptions change, and they are instead subjected to ‘slave like’ working conditions.
They are made to work for long hours in drone factories producing weapons under surveillance, exposed to toxic chemicals and paid poorly. Most are left with no financial means to return home.
While it pays well to get international campaigns, influencers must remember their followers are not just numbers, but people whose lives matter. Especially in a country like ours were high unemployment rates make many young people desperate for work opportunities.
To say, “I did not know,” like Seemah, or “Sorry, it wasn’t for money because I didn’t get paid,” like Cyan Boujee and then simply deleting the promotional videos as the rest of the content creators who worked on this campaign did – is not enough.
Influencers need to realize the influence they carry and do thorough research on all the campaigns they sign up for. Morals and ethics need to be heavier than ‘the bag’.
When all is said and done, young people need to be more responsible for their own lives. Your life is in your hands, not your trusted influencers’.
As a result of this incident, The Department of Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security has warned citizens to avoid relying solely on social media promotions.
Adding that people should verify job advertisements through official channels such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and contact South African embassies in the country where the job is based.
Type in “Alabuga Start programme” on any search engine, filter your search to news, you will find an article published by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre in November 2024 regarding the human trafficking practices at Alabuga Start.
It goes without saying that both influencers and citizens need to do their research and read the news. Always remember – it is better to be safe than sorry.
FEATURED IMAGE: Lulah Mapiye, 2025 Wits Vuvuzela Journalist. Photo: File/Paul Botes
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