Don't Fall For It! Govt Warns SA Women About Viral Russia Job Scams!
The South African government is issuing a serious warning to young women: be cautious of viral social media recruitment campaigns advertising job opportunities abroad, particularly in Russia. This follows a surge in online videos by South African social media influencers promoting these alleged job opportunities.
Influencer Cyan Boujee's Video Under Scrutiny
Authorities are investigating a promotional video by influencer Cyan Boujee, which has since been removed from her TikTok account. The video described a two-year "start programme" for young women seeking to develop professional skills. Boujee highlighted that the programme was aimed at women aged 18 to 22 and that recruits would be given jobs and taught Russian.
While Boujee hasn't directly responded to criticism and there's no suggestion of illegal activity on her part, the government is deeply concerned. Many young South Africans are unemployed and desperate for work, making them vulnerable to these potentially fraudulent offers.
Government Issues Urgent Warning
Clayson Monyela, South Africa's head of public diplomacy, expressed extreme worry about the trend of influencers promoting jobs abroad. He urged young people, especially women, to avoid unverified foreign job offers advertised on social media, cautioning that "if something looks too good to be true, it probably is."
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has also joined the chorus of warnings, highlighting the risk of these unsolicited foreign job offers. Deputy Minister Steve Letsike advises young people to verify the legitimacy of such offers before proceeding.
- Verify the Offer: Contact the relevant South African embassy or consulate in the country offering the job.
- Research the Company: Thoroughly investigate the company offering the job online.
- Be Skeptical: If the offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Young South Africans are urged to exercise extreme caution and vigilance when encountering job opportunities advertised online. Don't become a victim of these scams!