South African DJ and influencer Cyan Boujee, plus others like Peachy Sprin- kles and Ghost Hlubi, promoted a Russian programme called Alabuga Start. On Insta, it looked like a legit “work-study” opportunity. In reality? Reports say young African women were flown to Russia, had their passports taken, and ended up assembling drones in military factories for the Ukraine war. That’s not just a dodgy brand deal, that’s influencers accidentally platforming what could be human trafficking.

WHAT’S THE TEA?
Women recruited thought they’d be in hospitality or study programmes. In- stead, they got surveillance, long shifts, chemical burns, and barely any pay. Some as young as 15 worked alongside them. South Africa’s Department of International Relations even had to rescue one woman after she realised she’d been trapped. Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy insists it’s all “un- founded allegations.” And the influencers? They quietly deleted their promo posts once the backlash hit.

WHAT’S BEING QUESTIONED OR EXPOSED?

This is about more than one bad collab. It’s exposing how:

• Influence = responsibility. An Insta ad isn’t just vibes when people’s lives are at stake.

• Power imbalance. Exploiting high youth unemployment makes scams easier to sell.

• Trust & regulation. If influencers can hype up something linked to human trafficking, what’s the real line between “sponno” and scam?

WHY SHOULD OUR LISTENERS CARE?
Because Gen Z knows the hustle economy is real, jobs are scarce, and “op- portunities abroad” can feel like a golden ticket. But this story shows how desperation can be weaponised. Also, if influencers we follow can mislead us, knowingly or not, how do we check the receipts before buying into their hype? This isn’t just about Russia. It’s about digital trust, brand responsibility, and your safety.

t’s Monday, and you know what that means, time to get your money right with Money Mondays with Xoli Zondo!

Last week, we unpacked the hidden costs of buying your dream home... but what about renting? Today we flip the script and ask: what are the hidden costs of renting your dream place, both as a tenant and as an owner? From deposits and maintenance surprises to levies and management fees, there’s a lot more to renting than just paying the monthly rent. That’s why Xoli and our financial expert Thuli Magubane are here to break it all down, and of course, we’ll hear from our Money Babies on what they think too.

So before you sign that lease, stick around, this conversation could save you from some serious financial headaches.

Leah and the team present the news that wasn't.

They swung into the world as co-stars but landed as soulmates, one, a chameleon of screens from Disney sets to Emmy stages; the other, a nimble Brit who turned webs into wings.

Hint Legend: • Disney: her early acting career beginnings • webs: his role as the superhero that defined him

THE 5 BREAKFAST TEAM BATTLE IT OUT TO SEE WHO REMEMBERS WHAT
HAPPENED THIS WEEK.

She is both painter and poet, stitching canvas with sound and sound with protest. Her voice carries lullabies and laments, a harmony between gallery walls and festival stages. Who is this celebrity?

Hint Legend: • canvas: her dual life as a visual artist • protest: her activism through song and art