All You Need to Know About the Russian Job Scheme Targeting South African Youth

A social media campaign has come under intense scrutiny after several South African influencers and TikTok personalities promoted a Russian work programme known as Alabuga Start.

Well-known influencers such as Cyan Boujee, Sima Mangolwane (Seemah), Khanya Hlubi (Ghost Hlubi), Aya Langa, and others were allegedly paid up to R100,000 each to encourage young South Africans to sign up.

Influencers Under Fire

In July, Cyan Boujee travelled to Russia and appeared in a since-deleted campaign video endorsing the programme. The video showed her interacting with two young Ugandan women who claimed to be part of the initiative, seemingly lending it credibility.

However, social media users quickly flagged discrepancies. Job descriptions appeared vague, and Cyan’s comments—such as “apparently girls are treated fairly here”—suggested she lacked sufficient knowledge or evidence to back her claims.

Concerns of Exploitation

Reports have since emerged suggesting that the Alabuga Start programme may be a cover for human trafficking, with women allegedly being lured into working under questionable conditions at a drone manufacturing plant in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone.

Authorities Step In

South African authorities have launched an investigation, urging citizens—especially youth—to remain cautious of overseas job opportunities that appear too good to be true.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has further advised young people to verify opportunities through official channels and to seek second opinions before making any commitments.