JOHANNESBURG - South African women say the recruitment process for the Russian-linked Alabuga Start Programme raised alarm bells.
The programme offered free flights and accommodation and jobs in several fields, like hospitality, logistics, and installation work.
They claim the company was relentless - phoning, messaging, and pressuring them to leave the country with little clarity about what awaited them abroad.
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"They do put pressure on you in terms of you having to come that side. They contact you, if you don’t answer their text on WhatsApp they will send you an email," Mamello Natasha Koloba explained.
"They put pressure on you, it’s like: “I want you here now. Can you come work here now?," added Koloba.
Recruitment specialists say these are classic warning signs of exploitation - and urge job seekers to check international offers through official government channels before committing.
The Justice Ministry has warned that they are investigating the scheme, which could be linked to human trafficking.
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At the same time, influencers who promoted the programme online - drawing thousands of hopeful applicants - have now issued public apologies.
They insist they didn’t know they were endorsing what seems to be a scam.
For many South African women, turning down the offer may have saved them from a dangerous trap. The warning is now clear: if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
By: Nabeelah Shaikh