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Cyan Boujee celebrates 24th birthday amid Russian recruitment scandal

JOHANNESBURG — 24 August 2025

Controversial influencer Cyan Boujee marked her 24th birthday with lavish celebrations overseas while facing backlash for promoting a controversial Russian recruitment programme now under government investigation.

Honour Zuma, known as Cyan Boujee, shared Instagram snaps of a private celebration featuring floral arrangements and designer outfits from an undisclosed foreign location. The DJ dazzled in a beaded white gown against a backdrop of roses during a photoshoot.

In an emotional birthday post, she wrote: “I celebrate survival. I celebrate growth. I celebrate resilience that refused to shatter, even when the world tried to break me. There were days I didn’t think I’d make it this far. Nights when pain felt louder than hope. Moments when the weight of what I carried almost crushed me. And now here I am — a little softer, a little stronger, and a lot wiser. This new year of life is mine. Not for anyone else to define, limit, or dim. I’m walking forward with my scars, my truth, and my power. Not because life has been easy — but because I chose not to let it defeat me. Happy birthday to me — not just for turning a year older, but for becoming everything I was meant to be, despite everything that tried to stop me.”

Boujee faces criticism for endorsing the Alabuga Start Programme in a since-deleted video. She described it as offering South African women aged 18-22 two years of Russian housing, language lessons and “high-paying jobs” (Boujee’s Instagram video).

The clip drew outrage with critics calling it misleading, while leaked images allegedly showed “prison-like” conditions at the Russian facility (social media backlash). Job details and programme legitimacy remain unclear.

Government officials confirmed an official probe into the recruitment drive. A Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster statement said authorities were investigating the programme and its promoters.

Other influencers including Seemah, Mangolwane, Aya Langa and Siyamthanda Anita face similar criticism for endorsing the scheme. None have publicly responded to the allegations.