Probe launched as Russia expands recruitment of South African women to work at drone plant in Tatarstan

Russia has expanded the recruitment of South African women to work in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, where Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones used in the war against Ukraine are assembled, according to a report by Bloomberg. South African authorities have launched an investigation into Russia’s actions.

According to the outlet, in January the South African organization BRICS Student Commission began circulating job advertisements for women aged 18 to 22 to work in construction and services at enterprises based in Alabuga. Recruitment is also being promoted via Instagram and TikTok. In May, the South African branch of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to send 5,600 workers to Russia to work for Alabuga and the company Etalonstroy Ural.

Research organizations, including the U.S.-based Institute for Science and International Security, claim that most of the women end up not in construction, but in the production of military drones. According to their estimates, up to 90% of the recruited workers are engaged in assembling Shahed-136 UAVs, which are regularly used by Russia to attack cities across Ukraine. Reports state that the women are often not informed about the true nature of the work.

South African authorities have launched an inquiry and do not rule out the possibility of summoning Russian diplomats for explanation. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria said it has not yet found evidence that the job offers deviate from the stated conditions, but noted reports of young people being recruited specifically to Alabuga.

Officials from the Russian special economic zone deny that African women are involved in drone production. At the same time, housing is being built in Alabuga for tens of thousands of new workers, which analysts say is linked to the expansion of military production.

In South Africa, more than 48% of women under the age of 34 are unemployed, and the promised salaries of $800 per month make the prospect of traveling to Russia attractive. However, researchers note that for many this turns into a “harsh reality check” involving participation in military production.

Russia is also conducting similar recruitment campaigns in other African countries. In particular, Alabuga has brought in workers from Botswana, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Lesotho. In the latter case, former education minister and opposition party leader Mahali Phamotse was involved in sending young people to study and work in Russia. Authorities in Lesotho had warned parents about the risks of such programs, but some students have already left for Russia.