Cyan Boujee breaks her silence on Alabuga Start programme: 'It wasn't for money'

Social media star Cyan Boujee, real name Honor Zuma, has officially addressed the public outcry about her involvement in the promotion of the Alabuga Start programme.

With over 900,000 Instagram followers and significant engagement and 1.7million followers on TikTok, Cyan Boujee’s now-deleted content highlighted aspects of Alabuga’s operations.

On her video caption, Cyan Boujee explained that she is aware of how serious the situation is, and the team is in communication with the program and is awaiting a response before releasing another statement, which will include more details.

“I've been quiet because I've been waiting for the programme to release a statement on my behalf but it seems they are wasting my time. Human trafficking is a serious matter and I do not stand with that and I believe this is a huge learning curve for me and the other influencers,” she said in her video.

“And I don't think anyone with sense would repeat something like this, but I want you guys to know it wasn't for money because I haven't been paid yet. I had four more videos to post on my YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, and I was only going to get paid after posting, so it wasn't for money.

"We are humans and we make mistakes. I think the positive out of this is the girls will be helped. That is the main thing. I'm frustrated by this.”

Her video has, however, not been well received by the public, with some lambasting her for saying things like, "nomaRussia, here", and "may everyone have a good day if they want." Critics have commented that why didn't ask a publicist to assist her in drafting a formal statement instead of the video.

Clayson Monyela, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations, speaking on Radio 702 with Bongani Bingwa, explained why some of these international opportunities are linked to human trafficking.

​Passports are taken upon arrival, one lives in slave like conditions and they are not allowed to have contact with their family and when they do, they are placed under surveillance, essentially losing their freedom.

​Monyela also shared a warning on X, urging young people (girls in particular) not to fall for unverified foreign job offers. ​CrimeWatch_RSA tweeted that the start program is currently under investigation, and they also urged people not to rely solely on social media promotions. “Always cross-check and get a second opinion from a trusted source.”

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