In brief
Cyan Boujee, a South African influencer, has publicly apologized for promoting a controversial job recruitment scheme in Russia that targets young women. The scheme, which has drawn scrutiny from the government due to its potential links to human trafficking, was highlighted on her social media platforms. After facing backlash, Boujee acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and emphasized that the experience has been a significant learning moment for her and her fellow influencers.
South African influencer apologises over viral Russian job videos
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 the videos she posted online 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 over the weekend on TikTok, where she has 1.7 million followers, Cyan had 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 had 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 working in a weapons factory, making drones that have been used in Russia's war in Ukraine.
In her Instagram apology, Cyan acknowledged that 'human trafficking is a very, very serious matter', adding that the backlash had been a 'huge learning curve' for her and 'all the other influencers'.
'I knew this is something I had to delete immediately, I didn't care about the money,' she said.
'I apologise and I believe that this is not something that will be repeated again.'
Authorities have launched an investigation into the scheme, with Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel stating that 'so-called opportunities' were often 'linked to serious risks of labour exploitation and human trafficking'.
There has been a huge fallout on social media over the job videos, with a petition launched calling on influencers to use their platforms to instead 'spread awareness about the signs and dangers of trafficking'.
