South African Influencer Apologizes for Promoting Risky Job Scheme
A South African influencer, known as Cyan Boujee but whose real name is Honour Zuma, has issued an apology for her involvement in promoting a controversial job scheme in Russia that has raised concerns about human trafficking. The backlash followed a viral video in which she advertised job opportunities for young women, prompting the South African government to warn citizens about the potential dangers associated with such offers.
In her Instagram post to her 902,000 followers, the 24-year-old influencer announced the removal of the promotional videos, which touted a “fresh new start” for women aged 18 to 22 seeking employment. According to reports, the video described a two-year “start programme” aimed at helping participants acquire professional skills, with a promise of jobs and Russian language training. However, the specific professions involved were not disclosed.
The situation escalated when allegations surfaced that some individuals recruited for this programme in Tatarstan had been employed in a weapons factory, contributing to drone production used in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These claims have not only intensified scrutiny on the job scheme but also highlighted the broader risks associated with unverified employment opportunities.
In her apology, Cyan acknowledged the seriousness of human trafficking, stating, “I knew this is something I had to delete immediately; I didn’t care about the money.” She characterized the incident as a significant learning experience, both for herself and for her fellow influencers.
The public response has been substantial, with a petition initiated urging influencers to utilize their platforms to educate followers about the signs of trafficking and the risks of dubious job offers. The South African authorities are now conducting an investigation into the scheme, with Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel emphasizing that such “so-called opportunities” often lead to significant risks of labour exploitation and trafficking.
Nel cautioned the public against relying solely on social media advertisements for job opportunities, advising that verification through official channels is essential. He stated, “Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements; always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels.”
The controversy has drawn attention to the recruitment practices of a special economic zone in Tatarstan, where the alleged job scheme is centered. A report released in May by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime indicated that many potential recruits are misled about the nature of the work and the conditions involved, stating that the aim is to support the drone production programme.
In a now-deleted video, Cyan had claimed that “apparently girls are treated fairly here – Africans, Asians, Latin Americans,” a statement that has since been met with skepticism given the serious allegations surrounding the job scheme.
As the investigation unfolds, the impact of this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities faced by young job seekers and the responsibility of influencers to promote safe and verified employment opportunities.
