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Cyan Boujee exposes concerns about “dodgy” Russia women’s programme

JOHANNESBURG —

South African DJ Cyan Boujee (24) has revealed disturbing concerns about a Russian job programme she promoted, after witnessing an emotional incident hinting at possible exploitation. The influencer, born Honour Zuma, described witnessing unsettling situations while filming campaign content for the now-deleted “start programme” initiative.

Viral videos originally advertised the two-year campaign as offering young women professional skills and career opportunities in Russia. Boujee shared voice notes with her PR manager in a YouTube vlog expressing early concerns: “I told her that there was something off.”

Her discomfort peaked during an interview filmed for the campaign. “This lady, I asked her how her accommodation was, is it comfortable? How are your roommates treating you? And she cried. I was just in disbelief. She was not happy,” Boujee recalled, adding participants appeared pressured to give false positive responses on camera.

Boujee criticised the project’s organisation, stating: “Based on their unprofessionalism. Smoking while taking videos of me, photographers taking videos. I’m like, ‘Guys can we focus so that we can get done?’ But everyone was just slow.” She emphasised her intent to expose the truth: “I would never sell any woman intentionally. I’m going to share some of the dodgy stuff that I figured from this programme.”

The controversial videos were withdrawn from social media after public backlash. The programme is reportedly under investigation by authorities (source not provided).

Boujee concluded by expressing hope the situation would be fully investigated, voicing ongoing worry about participants’ wellbeing.