Influencer Honour Zuma, also known as Cyan Boujee, is facing backlash after issuing an apology concerning the controversial Alabuga Start program in Russia.
Her apology comes after significant criticism for her promotion of the program. Many suspect it might be connected to a human trafficking scheme that targets young South African women.
The Alabuga Start program is presented as a two-year international opportunity for young women. However, Interpol is currently investigating it due to concerns about human trafficking and potential involvement in producing drones for Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
Cyan Boujee, along with other South African influencers, had previously promoted this program on their social media platforms.
This issue regarding the controversial Russian Program scandal seems to be far from over until all influencers involved speak up and apologise for misleading young women in Mzansi to join this program
.... Comments from her followers ....
1. Nkare she’s saying “ ndithe sorry sana, whether you accept my apology or not ,it’s really up to you
.I’ve already forgiven myself , have a good day
”
2. Yall actually take Cyan Boujee’s opinion laced with “I’m sorry” as an actual apology? That was no apology guys.
3. Cyan boujee doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand the seriousness of this issue, she suffers from conduct disorder o stout die Kent
And finaly I just learned that her TikTok account that has 1.7 Million followers has been terminated. This girl really messed her life up. To think I used to vouch for her, beauty with no brain.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the social media influencer, currently under investigation along with other influencers for endorsing the program, chose to speak out after facing significant criticism for her participation. Cyan Boujee, shared a video statement addressing the situation and clarifying the reasons for her previous silence, explaining why she has only now decided to come forward. This may bee too late for her to apologise.
Best comment I copied
[BEWARE OF ILLEGITIMATE AND/OR UNVERIFIED ’OPPORTUNITIES’ TARGETING YOUNG WOMEN]
The video clip circulated by a social media influencer, which purports to promote a 2-year long ‘START PROGRAM’ targeting young women in acquiring professional skills and commencing their careers,…
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) August 24, 2025
She said:
"I’m going to keep this very short and quick. I’ve been quiet about this matter because, first of all, I’ve been waiting for the programme to actually release a statement on my behalf. I see they’re not taking this seriously because human trafficking is a very serious issue, and I do not support it. I believe this is a huge learning curve for me and all the other influencers, and I don’t think anyone with common sense would repeat something like this."I want you guys to know that I didn’t do this for money because I haven’t been paid yet. I had other videos to post, I think I had four more videos to post on my YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. I was only going to get paid after posting, so I didn’t get any money," she said in her statement.
She said she isn't doing this for money but yet she's waiting to be paid 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
she also said: "I am aware of how serious the situation is, and the team is in communication with the program. I am awaiting a response before releasing another statement, which will include more details."
