The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has expressed grave concern over recent reports of alleged job offers circulating on social media that target young South African women aged 18 to 22 for employment opportunities in Russia.
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 emphasises that government-backed international employment opportunities are organised through official diplomatic channels and formal bilateral agreements between governments. We can confirm that the so-called work opportunities advertised on social media for positions in Russia are not facilitated with any government intervention. Young people are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited offers for international employment, particularly those distributed via social media and other online platforms.
We urge our young people to be vigilant. Before considering any international work or education opportunity, their authenticity must be verified with relevant authorities, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and its missions abroad, foreign embassies or missions within South Africa of the intended country of travel
for the opportunity, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, and the Department of Higher Education and Training for study opportunities.
The safety, dignity, and future of young South African women are of paramount importance, and we cannot allow desperation borne of high unemployment to be weaponised against our youth. As a government, we continue to work tirelessly to address youth unemployment through national initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and various skills development programmes.
However, the government alone cannot win the fight against unemployment. We call on all stakeholders, the private sector, civil society, labour, academia, and communities, to join hands with the government in creating sustainable pathways for decent work for young people, especially young women, who remain the most vulnerable to exploitative practices.
The Ministry will engage stakeholders, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Russian Embassy in South Africa, and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), to fully understand the nature of the employment opportunities in Russia and provide clarity to the public. 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.
Media Enquiries:
Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Head of Communication: Mr Cassius Selala
Cell: 060 534 0672
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