What in the World - The Russian job scheme targeting young women in South Africa

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South Africa’s government is warning young women not to fall for social media recruitment drives promoting job opportunities abroad. That’s after a number of online videos by South African social media influencers advertising jobs for young women in Russia went viral.

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.

BBC reporter Danai Nesta Kupemba walks us through the allegations and explains why young women may be particularly vulnerable to the scam. She also discusses Cyan Boujee, an influencer who has apologised after advertising the recruitment drive.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
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Published on Friday, 29th August 2025.

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