Deputy Minister Comes For Influencers Over Russian ‘Alabunga Jobs’ Scam

Mzansi’s influencer streets are shaking! Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has confirmed that government has drawn up a list of South African influencers linked to the shady Russian “Alabunga jobs” scam — and law enforcement is already on it.

The Scam That Fooled Thousands

The so-called “Russian jobs” trended earlier this year through flashy adverts and influencer-led promos on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Jobseekers were promised high-paying teaching and hospitality gigs in Russia, but all they got was heartbreak.

Victims forked out thousands in “processing fees,” with some even flying out using fake documents — only to discover that no jobs existed. Savings? Gone. Dreams? Crushed.

Influencers in the Hot Seat

Letsike confirmed that her department has handed over a list of implicated influencers to the police.

“These are people who used their platforms to lure unsuspecting youth into believing there were legitimate opportunities in Russia. They knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this scam, and we will ensure accountability,” she said.

Translation? Clout-chasing at the expense of desperate youth might just land some influencers in court.

Government Turns Up the Heat

The department has also flagged the fake adverts for takedown and is in talks with Russian authorities to trace possible facilitators abroad.

Advocacy groups are applauding the move but demanding swift arrests. Cybersecurity experts, too, are warning that the “trust economy” of influencer marketing can be weaponised when shady deals enter the chat.

A Word of Warning

Letsike reminded young people to stay woke:

No legit job will ever demand upfront fees.

Always verify opportunities through government-approved platforms.

If it looks too good to be true… it probably is.

Mzansi is watching closely to see which influencers get exposed — and whether they’ll face the full might of the law.