LEGAL REVIEW RECOMMENDED

SA Influencers’ TikTok Accounts Terminated After Russia Promotion Backlash

JOHANNESBURG — 28 August 2025

Multiple high-profile South African influencers have lost their TikTok accounts following public outcry over their promotion of a controversial Russian “Start Program” amid exploitation fears.

Cyan Boujee, Seemah, and Sibongile Kajane had their profiles removed after users reported them for “human exploitation”. TikTok suspended Seemah’s 2.8 million-follower account and Cyan Boujee’s 1.8 million-follower page.

The removals occurred after the South African government confirmed it was investigating the influencers over the Russian program ads (government statement). Social media users led a reporting campaign due to concerns the initiative targeted young women.

Twitter user Paballo Maseko posted about the suspensions: “After we reported the influencers accounts under ‘human exploitation’ for promoting the Start Program in Russia… TikTok banned their accounts 🤭” before urging further action: “Let’s report the others. Aya Langa and a few still remain, but we need to get them.” (social media post)

Despite Boujee and Seemah apologizing for promoting the program, public anger continued over fears the initiative might enable human trafficking or exploitation (unverified) (social media reaction). TikTok hasn’t confirmed if bans are permanent. None of the influencers have commented since the suspensions, though reports indicate they may appeal.

User reactions remained divided. @iamchris_TK stated: “They’ll try to threaten you with court orders & even something worse. Keep your chin up & keep all the receipts. Somebody’s life is saved out there because of you.” Meanwhile, @moroaswi admitted: “I contributed for their accounts to be banned… I love them so much… We have sisters.”

@Ihearyou warned: “The fact that some people take this lightly worries me. Human trafficking is real… it’s not the same as selling your ass kwiclubs.” Conversely, @DSaprais58500 countered: “Y’all are going for their bag. With this high unemployment, I think they learned their lesson. Forgive them.”

The government’s investigation continues as the public awaits TikTok’s final decision on the banned accounts.