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South Africa’s Ministry of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has issued a statement warning citizens about the dangers of social media posts that promote job opportunities in Russia. The ministry stressed that the “so-called work opportunities advertised on social media for positions in Russia are not facilitated with any government intervention” and urged young people to be vigilant when responding to such offers.
The warning came days after Bloomberg News reported that Russian companies, including entities tied to the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, have been recruiting South African women between the ages of 18 and 22. According to research groups, the women are invited to work in construction and services, but most end up producing Shahed-136 attack drones used by Russia in the war against Ukraine.
The “Alabuga Start” program, a recruitment initiative that was launched in 2023, targets populations in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia as part of an effort to address Russia’s labor shortages. Experts say up to 90% of participants in such schemes end up assembling drones.
South African authorities have already opened an investigation into the recruiters and said they intend to discuss the matter with the Russian Embassy, as well as with organizations operating in the country on Alabuga’s behalf.