Influencer Siyamthanda Anita apologises for negligence in the Alabuga Start Programme controversy

The participation of South African influencers in promoting the Alabuga Start Programme has created an online discourse about the kind of campaigns they are involved with.

Alarm bells were raised about the red flags of the Alabuga Start Programme after social media star and DJ Cyan Boujee posted her campaign video.

It later emerged that Cyan Boujee was not the only person who had promoted the campaign; Peachy Sprinkles (Siyamthanda Anita), Ghost Hlubi (Khanya Hlubi), Seemah (Sima Mangolwane), and Zillewizzy (Khathutshelo Netshitomboni) also promoted the Alabuga Start programme.

Siyamthanda Anita, following the online backlash, took to TikTok and posted a video where she explained her shortcomings when dealing with the Alabuga Start Programme, such as not conducting extensive research, and also highlighted how she vlogged her experience in Russia for her YouTube channel.

“A few months ago, the marketing team from the start program in Russia reached out to me with intentions of a potential collaboration, saying that they are offering job opportunities to young South African individuals, and they would like us creators to put it out there.

“Naturally, obviously, you do your research. I didn't do extensive research, which might reflect as negligence on my end. I deeply apologise for that.”

On her vlog, the influencer is heard asking the officials about why they only target 18-22 year olds, highlighting to them that most South Africans around that age are not desperate to leave the country, as opposed to maybe someone older.

She also asks the officials why the programme only targets females and not males. The officials give her a vague response.

While at the factory, Siyamthanda Anita is spotted by a South African, who is excited to see her, and when Siyamthanda Anita asks her what they are doing at the factory exactly, the young lady does not respond.

“Honestly, I was invested in making a chance for other South Africans as well as making sure that if anyone is interested, it is safe to do so.

“I made sure that all these uncomfortable conversations were had before letting other girls cross borders to go start a new life elsewhere. I'm really concerned about young South Africans like myself who are desperate for job opportunities, education, even, but end up falling victim to such programs.

“There is a lesson to be learnt here. I've learnt mine, guys. I'm, I'm really sorry. I deeply apologise. This reflects negligence on my end. But trust me, I really tried. I'm really sorry for my negligence. I deeply apologise. From a creator's perspective, I deeply apologise. I'm sorry, guys.”

PeachySprinkles has since removed the videos and herself from the campaign. The Embassy of Russia in South Africa posted a comment on Facebook, addressing the public outcry.

“The Embassy has taken note of the growing concerns around the Alabuga Start programme, triggered by the Bloomberg article.

“Many of the commentators were quick to accuse Russia of ‘human trafficking’ and ‘exploitation’ based on unfounded allegations.

“It needs to be stressed that the Embassy has no information, apart from that spread through some biased outlets, of foreign nationals being subjected to forced labour, tricked into some actions, or otherwise experiencing violation of their rights in the course of the programme.

“Full list of residents of the special economic zone Alabuga is available on the SEZ’s official website (https://alabuga.ru), while the website of the programme features several feedback messages from its participants.”

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.”

IOL