Government Warns Young South African Women Against Suspicious Russian Job Offers

Social media promises of exciting overseas careers can be tempting, especially when youth unemployment in South Africa is at record highs. But the government is urging caution after suspicious Russian job offers targeting young women aged 18 to 22 began circulating online.

“These opportunities are not backed by any government authority,” warned the Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities on Monday. Officials emphasized that economic desperation should never become a tool for exploitation.

Influencers Under Scrutiny

The alert follows viral promotional videos by South African influencers promoting Russian employment programs. Among the most discussed was a now-deleted video by influencer Cyan Boujee, filmed in Tatarstan. Boujee presented the opportunity as a “fresh new start” for young women, claiming that girls from Africa, Asia, and Latin America would be treated fairly.

Government officials and diplomatic leaders, including Clayson Monyela, head of diplomacy, have cautioned that human trafficking syndicates often hide behind enticing job offers, luring victims into illegal activities under slave-like conditions. “If something looks too good to be true, get a second opinion,” Monyela advised.

@joburgetc “⚠️ Mzansi beware! Russian Slavic Alabuga Training programme in Russia exposed 🚨 Using SA influencers to trick and exploit South Africans online 😳👀” Hashtags: #SouthAfrica #rusia #SlavicScam #MzansiNews #InfluencerScam ♬ original sound – joburgetc

No Official Support

The ministry clarified that these social media promotions are entirely unofficial. Legitimate international work programs run through formal diplomatic channels or bilateral government agreements. Any foreign employment opportunity must be verified with:

• The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco)

• Foreign embassies or missions in South Africa

• The Department of Employment and Labour

• The South African Police Service (SAPS)

• The Department of Higher Education and Training for study-related opportunities

Protecting Vulnerable Youth

Young women remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation. “The safety, dignity, and future of South African women are paramount,” the ministry said. Officials stressed that government programs such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, National Youth Service, and skills development initiatives are designed to provide safe and legitimate pathways into employment.

The ministry also acknowledged that tackling youth unemployment is not a job for the government alone. Private sector partners, civil society, labour unions, academia, and communities are being called upon to help create sustainable opportunities, particularly for young women who face the highest risks of exploitation.

Steps Forward

Authorities plan to engage with stakeholders, including Dirco, the Russian Embassy in South Africa, and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, to ensure young women are safeguarded from dubious schemes. Officials continue to remind parents, guardians, and young people themselves: verify before you accept, and never be lured by promises that sound too good to be true.

In a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing crisis, vigilance, education, and verification are key to preventing vulnerable women from falling prey to dangerous scams abroad.

{Source: The Citizen}

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