Russia reportedly targets South African women for drone factory work
South African authorities are probing claims that Russian firms are recruiting young women from the country to work in drone factories.
Concerns are rising that many people are being drawn into supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Bloomberg reports that the Alabuga plant in Tatarstan produces up to 200 Iranian-style Shahed drones each month.
The plant offers recruits attractive salaries, education, and career opportunities, but watchdogs say many are misled and end up assembling drones used in strikes on Ukraine.
The factory has specifically recruited poor, young women from across Africa, with the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security noting that women are considered more reliable than men for this type of work.
Bloomberg’s source said the South African government has now launched a probe to determine the Russian company’s true intentions.
“The South African government is actively investigating reports of foreign programmes in Russia that recruit South Africans under false pretenses,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation told Bloomberg.
“The government has noted the alleged recruitment of youth by the Alabuga company.”
While no credible evidence has yet been found, officials in Pretoria may also summon Russian diplomats for explanations.
A recruitment drive with links to South Africa
In May, the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to supply 5 600 workers to Alabuga and a Russian construction company.
Earlier this year, the BRICS Student Commission advertised hospitality and construction jobs at Alabuga for women aged 18–22.
Local influencers promoted these opportunities on Instagram and TikTok.
Why is Russia outsourcing labour?
Russia faces a shrinking labour force, worsened by population decline, the conscription of hundreds of thousands of men for the war in Ukraine, stricter limits on migrant workers from Central Asia, and the exit of many citizens opposing the conflict.
South Africa, in contrast, struggles with high unemployment, with about a third of its working-age population out of work.
While the Alabuga Start program promises young people career opportunities, the Institute for Science and International Security reports that 90% of participants are deceived and end up assembling drones.
AP and The Wall Street Journal have also shared accounts from young African women who said recruiters misled them into grueling assembly-line work with low pay and no protective gear.