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DIRCO warns young women against suspicious overseas job offers

todayAugust 25, 2025 111

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Photo credit: Instagram (@cyan.boujee24)

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued a strong warning to young South African women, urging them to exercise extreme caution when considering job opportunities abroad.

This comes in the wake of viral videos circulating on social media, in which influencers are seen promoting a so-called Start Program in Russia.

The Alabuga Start program, reportedly a two-year opportunity for young women abroad, has gained traction through endorsements by popular local influencers, including Cyan Boujee, who boasts a significant youth following on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Other influencers who have promoted the program include Ghost Hlubi, Seemah, and Zillewizzy.

The department has urged South Africans to thoroughly verify any overseas opportunities, either through the department directly or by contacting South African embassies and consulates abroad.

The department emphasized the risks associated with unverified programs, particularly those targeting vulnerable youth through social media.

Last year, reports emerged that women from Central and East Africa were being recruited via social media to work in a factory in Russia, to allegedly assemble drones to be launched in Ukraine.

Amid growing public concern and mounting criticism, Cyan Boujee quietly removed the promotional content from her platforms. She has yet to publicly address the controversy or clarify her involvement.

The legitimacy and potential exploitative nature of the program have come under scrutiny. One of the key concerns raised was the targeted recruitment age – women between 18 and 22 – a demographic often vulnerable to trafficking.

South Africa, like many other countries, continues to grapple with human trafficking networks that prey on economic hardship and youth desperation.

One of the influencers, Siyamthanda Anathi, has since taken to social media to clarify her involvement with the program.

@_peachysprinkles

yaze ya hlebisa into yase Russia! I’m really sorry guys, very ignorant of me to not do extensive research

♬ original sound – Siyamthanda Anita

 

Many social media users condemned the influencers involved, accusing them of promoting opportunities that could potentially endanger the lives of others.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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