By: Sthulile Mkhize
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued a stern warning to South Africans, particularly young people, about a surge in fake job offers abroad that may be linked to human trafficking syndicates.
DIRCO spokesperson and head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, raised the alarm this week, cautioning the public against falling for seemingly lucrative international opportunities circulating online. Many of these offers are being promoted by social media influencers.
“This is a serious concern. Vulnerable South Africans are being lured by bogus job offers, and there’s a strong possibility that some of these scams are fronts for human trafficking,” Monyela said in a statement.
His remarks follow mounting public criticism directed at influencer and DJ Cyan Boujee, who is alleged to have promoted questionable international job opportunities on her social media platforms. While the influencer has not yet responded to the allegations, the backlash has sparked renewed debate about the role of online personalities in potentially endangering their followers by endorsing unverified schemes.
Monyela urged the public, especially young women, to exercise caution and avoid committing to any international job offers without proper verification.
“Please verify through embassies, the Department of Home Affairs, or official government channels before making any travel arrangements. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he added.
DIRCO reiterated that South Africa continues to work with international partners to clamp down on human trafficking networks. These criminal groups often target desperate jobseekers through social media and informal recruitment channels.
