The South African government has issued a warning to young women about viral social media videos promoting job opportunities in Russia.
These videos, created by popular influencers like Cyan Boujee, have garnered significant attention, but authorities are investigating the legitimacy of these job offers.
Boujee’s video, which has since been removed from her TikTok account, advertised a two-year “start programme” in Tatarstan, Russia, promising young women a chance to acquire professional skills and fair treatment.
However, allegations have surfaced that some recruits have ended up working in a weapons factory producing drones used in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime reported that recruits were enticed with false promises about the nature of the work, working conditions, and educational opportunities. Clayson Monyela, South Africa’s head of public diplomacy, warned young people to be cautious of unverified foreign job offers, advising them to seek a second opinion if an opportunity seems too good to be true.
