A South African influencer linked to a controversial job scheme in Russia has apologised for her role in promoting it in a country where many young people are desperate to find jobs.
Cyan Boujee, whose real name is Honour Zuma, came under scrutiny after one of her videos advertising jobs for women aged between 18 and 22 went viral.
It prompted the government to issue a warning about the scheme and alert people to the dangers of human trafficking and unverified job opportunities overseas.
Immediately when I saw the comments on my stories and on my videos… I knew that this is not something I stand with, the 24-year-old told her 902,000 followers on Instagram.
Popularly known as Cyan, the influencer has removed the promotional videos from her social media pages. They had described an opportunity for a fresh new start for young women at the start of their careers.
In a video shot in Tatarstan in Russia and posted on TikTok, where she has 1.7 million followers, Cyan said it was a two-year start programme for those wanting to acquire professional skills - though it was not made clear in what professions.
She explained those hired would be given jobs and taught how to speak Russian.
There have been allegations that some of those recruited to work in Tatarstan have ended up making drones that are being used in Russia's war in Ukraine.
In her Instagram apology, Cyan acknowledged that human trafficking is a very, very serious matter, saying the backlash had been a huge learning curve for her and fellow influencers. She vowed never to repeat the mistake.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the scheme, with Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel stressing that such opportunities are often linked to serious risks of labor exploitation and trafficking.
Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited advertisements; always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels, he warned.
The scheme's main recruiter operates in a special economic zone in Tatarstan, associated with weapon production.
A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlighted that recruits are misled about the nature of work and educational opportunities, aimed at supporting a drone production agenda.
Cyan had previously claimed that women were treated well in Tatarstan, but this has now come under serious scrutiny.
