WATCH: Arnold Mohapi Exposes Why Influencers Were Chosen for Alabuga Start Programme

In a recent video, Arnold Mohapi breaks down why influencers were used to promote the controversial Russia Alabuga Start Programme.

1. Emotional Manipulation Over Facts
Arnold compares the strategy to old Nigerian email scams that used emotional stories full of typos and red flags. People believed the message because it felt real and not because it made sense.

2. Influencers Who Are Out of Touch with Current Affairs
He points out that the influencers chosen weren’t known for speaking on youth issues or unemployment. Instead, they were selected because they don’t ask tough questions and neither do many of their followers. Despite South Africa’s BRICS ties with Russia, the campaign wasn’t framed as a government-backed job initiative, raising more red flags.

Arnold said, “They targeted young girls who won’t ask questions,” implying that influencers with mass appeal but limited political awareness were deliberately chosen to push a potentially deceptive agenda.

3. Controversial Figures
Many of the influencers involved have faced public criticism over the sources of their income. Arnold suggests that people with questionable reputations are easier to influence and are less likely to push back.

Video: Arnold Mohapi Instagram