The Russian Embassy in South Africa has dismissed concerns of human trafficking and exploitation relating to the Alabuga Start programme, which has been promoted to young girls by influencers like Cyan Boujee.
This comes after South African government officials warned the public to be vigilant of unverified job opportunities overseas.
RUSSIAN EMBASSY SHUTS DOWN CONCERN OVER ALABUGA START CAMPAIGN
On its Facebook account, the Russian Embassy to South Africa issued a statement regarding its concerns about a job campaign called the Alabuga Start Programme.
The two-year programme is open to young women between the ages of 18 and 22. Over the past few days, influencers like Cyan Boujee and Seemah have come under fire for promoting the job campaign.
According to Bloomberg, the programme is one of many targeting African women for the purposes of employment exploitation.
Images via Instagram: @cyan.boujee24
Responding to the backlash, the embassy posted: “Many of the commentators were quick to accuse Russia of ‘human trafficking’ and ‘exploitation’ based on unfounded allegations.
“It needs to be stressed that the Russian Embassy has no information, apart from that spread through some biased outlets, of foreign nationals being subjected to forced labour, tricked into some actions, or otherwise experiencing violation of their rights in the course of the programme.
The Russian Embassy encouraged individuals to direct their concerns to the Alabuga Start Programme’s website, which they stated featured several feedback messages from previous participants.
⚡️Comment by the Embassy of Russia in South Africa (August 25, 2025)
The Embassy has taken note of the growing concerns…
Posted by Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa on Monday 25 August 2025
‘OFFERS ARE NOT ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’
While the Russian Embassy appeared defensive by the negative media attention, the South African Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, cautioned the public about applying for unverified job opportunities overseas.
Nel raised concerns that employment opportunities like the Alabuga Start Programme, which are promoted on social media by influencers, have been linked to risks like labour exploitation and human trafficking.
The Deputy Minister referenced a group of 23 South Africans who had been rescued from Myanmar after being lured via an employment agency.
The job offers boasted incentives like lucrative salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other benefits.
Images via TikTok
He stated: “Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels.”
Nel urged South Africans interested in working overseas to verify the authenticity through authorities, who include;
• The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
• The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL)
• The Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
• The South African Police Service (SAPS)
DO YOU THINK THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY ISSUED A FAIR RESPONSE TO THE ALABUGA START PROGRAMME CONTROVERSY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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