South African influencer Cyan Boujee has broken her silence on the controversial Alabuga School programme, which has sparked national concern over alleged human trafficking and the exploitation of young women abroad. Speaking in an emotional interview, Cyan clarified her role in promoting the programme, revealed her worries for the girls involved, and called on the South African government to act.
What Is the Alabuga School Controversy?
The Alabuga Start Programme, marketed as an overseas opportunity for skills development in Russia, was promoted by several South African influencers, including Cyan Boujee, Seemah, and others. Initially presented as a hospitality and business training initiative, reports have since revealed that the girls involved were working in a drone manufacturing facility under restrictive and allegedly coercive conditions.
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South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has launched an investigation into the programme amid rising fears of human trafficking. DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela warned young people to remain vigilant, stating:
“Human trafficking syndicates are luring young people into all sorts of illegal activities under slave-like conditions… It is basically human trafficking because you lose your freedom.”
Cyan Boujee Opens Up About Alabuga School Campaign
In a video Cyan Boujee (real name Honour Zuma) stated that she was misled about the true nature of the programme. She believed the opportunity involved education in hospitality and entrepreneurship, not military manufacturing.
“We thought it was a school. I was told it was about hospitality and business.”
She also expressed deep emotional distress over the current situation of the South African girls reportedly stuck in Russia. According to Cyan, she attempted to contact them but received no response.
“I was crying last night. I’m really, really worried about the kids.”
Conditions at Alabuga: “It Felt Like a Prison”
Cyan recounted her personal experience visiting the Alabuga facility, describing extreme surveillance and limited personal freedom. She mentioned that phones were confiscated and movement was highly restricted — raising serious concerns about the welfare of the participants.
“It felt like a prison.”
Multiple reports from investigative journalists and NGOs suggest that the girls may have been coerced into assembling military drones, raising red flags under international human trafficking definitions.
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Influencers Speak Out, But Accountability Is Still Unclear
Several influencers who promoted the programme have since apologised and removed the content. Cyan clarified that she was never paid for the campaign, and insists that the post was made in good faith based on briefings from a South African agency.
“I haven’t been paid yet. It wasn’t about the money. It was a genuine mistake.”
She also said she feels “set up” by the marketing agents who allegedly misrepresented the programme.
Government Urged to Step In
Cyan has called on the South African government to urgently intervene and help repatriate the girls. Public outcry continues to grow, with citizens demanding more accountability and safeguards against unvetted international job offers.
Deputy Minister Andries Nel urged the public to verify opportunities through official channels, warning:
“Never rely solely on social media promotions … always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official departments such as DIRCO, the Department of Labour, and the South African Police Service.”
Source: The South African
A Wake-Up Call for the Influencer Economy
This incident has reignited discussions around influencer responsibility and the ethics of digital marketing in South Africa. Experts argue that promotional content, especially regarding employment or education, must be thoroughly vetted — not only for legality but also for human rights compliance.
As investigations continue, South Africans await clarity and accountability. For Cyan Boujee, the experience has been a sobering lesson.
“The government needs to step in. We need to get the kids out of there.”
For more on her public statement, read: Cyan Boujee Issues Apology for Promoting Controversial Russian Job Scheme: ‘It Wasn’t About the Money’.
The Cyan Boujee Alabuga School controversy is not just about one influencer’s mistake — it’s a mirror to the vulnerabilities that exist in our digital and economic ecosystem. With young South Africans looking for better opportunities, and influencers acting as intermediaries, due diligence is no longer optional — it’s critical.
