Munaka speaks on her involvement in Russian Alabuga programme as TikTok bans another influencer's account

Reality TV star and social media influencer Munaka Muthambi has broken her silence about how she got involved in the Alabuga programme.

Munaka, who travelled to Russia with DJ and social media star Honour “Cyan Boujee” Zuma to promote the programme targeting people aged 18 to 22, faced criticised for promoting the recruitment initiative. 

In a post on her Instagram timeline on Wednesday Munaka said she was approached by a reputable agency based in South Africa that she trusted due to her friends having worked with it before on other campaigns. 

“Travel and anything that has to do with education, women or empowering people are my passions. So when the opportunity came to go to Russia for this programme I was open to it. I didn't get paid a fraction of what I charge. I'm selective with brands, so trust me. It was never about the money for me.

“When we discussed our concerns they sent a sheet of sources stating most of the news online is fake and the programme is legit. I've attached the link in my bio for those of you who want to see it. I don't know how human trafficking entered the chat. I hope none of that is happening and I'm waiting for the government/embassy to release a statement on this.

“I am sorry for my role in this. I have no words. Even after what I thought was due diligence (my working with a good agency, receiving credible reviews and going to the place before I post about it) this still happened. Genuine apologies to those I hurt. I also apologise to the brands I'm working with and have been affected by my association. You, as well the audience that supports the work I share, don't deserve this.”

Meanwhile, TikTok has banned an account of one of the other influencers linked to the programme, who chose not to be named. 

“Your account was permanently banned due to multiple violations of our community guidelines,” read a message on their screen while they were scrolling the platform.