Government warns against fake job offers targeting SA women in Russia

The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has sounded the alarm over suspicious job adverts circulating on social media, luring young South African women with the promise of employment in Russia.

The adverts, which appear to be aimed at women between the ages of 18 and 22, have been flagged as fraudulent and potentially dangerous.

“Although we recognise that South Africa faces unacceptably high youth unemployment, especially among young women, this harsh reality must never be exploited through false job offers,” the Ministry said on Monday.

No official backing

Officials stressed that the so-called opportunities are not endorsed or facilitated by government. Any legitimate international work placements, they said, would be arranged through diplomatic channels and bilateral agreements, not via random adverts on Facebook, TikTok or WhatsApp.

Young people have been urged to be vigilant when approached with job offers abroad, particularly those that originate from social media platforms.

The department has advised prospective jobseekers to verify the authenticity of any international opportunity through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Employment and Labour, or relevant embassies in South Africa.

‘Do not fall prey’

The Ministry said the safety and dignity of young women remained a priority, warning that traffickers and scammers often prey on desperation in a country where youth unemployment remains staggeringly high.

“As a government, we continue to work tirelessly to address youth unemployment through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and various skills development programmes,” the statement read.

At the same time, the Ministry acknowledged that government cannot tackle unemployment alone, calling on the private sector, civil society and communities to help build sustainable job pathways for young people.

Engaging Russia

To clear confusion around the reported adverts, the Ministry confirmed it would be engaging with DIRCO, the Russian Embassy in South Africa and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance to investigate the matter further.

“Let us remain united in protecting the dreams and dignity of South Africa’s young women, while redoubling our efforts to build an inclusive economy that provides meaningful opportunities at home,” the Ministry added.