The ministry for women in South Africa’s presidency has cautioned citizens, especially young people and girls, against unverified foreign job offers promoted on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The alert, posted by Clayson Monyela on X on August 24, 2025, highlights risks of human trafficking syndicates luring individuals into illegal activities under slave-like conditions. Citizens are advised to seek a second opinion and contact @DIRCO_ZA or South African embassies for verification.
Context of the Warning
The advisory follows a Bloomberg News report from August 21, 2025, revealing that Russian firms, including Alabuga Start; a recruitment arm of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, are targeting South Africa. Since 2023, Alabuga Start has been recruiting women aged 18-22 from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to address Russia’s labor shortage. Reports from the Institute for Science and International Security and other groups allege that these women are often misled into working at a drone factory, which has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian bombings.
Call for Vigilance
South African authorities urge the public to exercise caution, investigating any job offer that seems overly attractive to avoid potential exploitation.
