South African reality TV star and influencer Munaka Muthambi has finally addressed the backlash surrounding her involvement in the Alabuga Start Programme — a Russia-based initiative that has faced accusations of suspicious recruitment practices and possible links to human trafficking.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Munaka explained that she joined the programme in good faith, believing it to be a legitimate campaign because it was presented by a well-known South African agency she trusted. She noted that several of her friends had successfully worked with the agency on past projects, which reassured her decision.
“The first thing I want to say is travel and anything that has to do with education, women, or empowering people are passions of mine. So when the opportunity came to go to Russia for this program, I was very open to it… trust me, it was never about the money for me,” she wrote.
Munaka also revealed that the agency provided her with documents dismissing online reports about the programme as “fake news,” and even shared the sources with her audience via a link in her bio.
However, the controversy intensified after the initiative was linked to possible human trafficking — a claim Munaka said shocked her.
“Idk how human trafficking entered the chat. I really hope none of that is happening and currently I’m waiting for the government/embassy to release a statement on this,” she added.
The influencer concluded her message with a heartfelt apology to her fans, brands, and supporters who were affected by her involvement.
“Even after what I thought was due diligence… this still happened. So genuine apologies to those I hurt. I also apologize to the brands I’m currently working with and have been impacted by my association. You as well, the audience that supports the work I share, don’t deserve this.”
Munaka says she is now awaiting an official response from the government or embassy to provide clarity on the programme’s true nature.
