MASERU- Concerns about the controversial ‘Alabuga Start’ program, reportedly linked to exploitative labor practices in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, have now taken on a local dimension. This follows the emergence of direct recruitment communications between representatives of the program and a citizen of Lesotho, which the Lesotho Tribune has reviewed.
In response, United Africans Transformation (UAT), whose leader Dr. Mahali Phamotse has been involved in facilitating scholarships to Russia, addressed the public’s growing concerns.
Dr. Phamotse clarified that UAT’s scholarship initiatives in Russia are unrelated to the Alabuga Start program. Amid rising unease linked to reports of exploitative practices, she emphasized that UAT has implemented strict safety protocols, formal partnerships with accredited institutions, and student welfare policies.
“In response to the concerns, I personally traveled to Moscow to assess the institutions we partner with,” Dr. Phamotse said during a recent interview. “I visited university campuses, met with administrators, sat in on classes, and evaluated student accommodation facilities.”
She added that the institution UAT works with is fully accredited by the Russian Ministry of Education and holds all required operational certifications. “It is a reputable institution with a strong academic track record,” she stated.
Regarding the Alabuga Start program specifically, Dr. Phamotse said she was unfamiliar with it and that initial assessments suggest it is not recognized within formal education frameworks. “We will, however, pursue further clarification through the appropriate Russian authorities,” she added.
UAT has invited members of the public to share any verified information related to the Alabuga Start program, stressing that collaboration is key to ensuring the safety and dignity of students.
The organization also confirmed that none of the Basotho students under its sponsorship are enrolled in or affiliated with Alabuga SEZ, Alabuga Start, or Alabuga Polytechnic. Dr. Phamotse emphasized that UAT only works directly with accredited universities and avoids intermediary entities.
“If any of our students, acting independently, have unknowingly engaged with such programs, we urge them or concerned parties to come forward so the matter can be addressed,” she said.
To support student well-being in Russia, UAT has established a comprehensive welfare monitoring program. This initiative includes a tracking system for student experiences and a platform for addressing concerns. A new website, currently in development, will provide public access to this information in real time.
“Student welfare is not an afterthought—it is central to our scholarship program,” Dr. Phamotse said.
Addressing questions about the legitimacy of the Russian institutions involved, the UAT clarified that extensive due diligence measures had been undertaken prior to formalizing partnerships. “I personally traveled to Moscow, where I inspected university facilities, engaged management teams, observed classroom activities, and assessed student accommodation conditions,” Dr. Phamotse explained.
She stated that the institution in question is fully accredited by Russia’s Department of Education and holds all mandatory operational certifications, the official added, describing it as a reputable establishment with a solid academic reputation.
Commenting specifically on reports concerning Alabuga Start, Dr. Phamotse expressed unfamiliarity with the program, noting that preliminary assessments suggest it is not affiliated with recognized educational frameworks.
“We will, however, take this matter further with the relevant Russian government bodies to obtain clarity,” Dr. Phamotse assured. UAT also invited members of the public to share any concrete information regarding the entity, emphasizing openness to collaboration in safeguarding student welfare. Plans are underway to launch a dedicated website for the program, providing real-time updates to ensure transparency.
UAT further confirmed that none of its sponsored Basotho students are enrolled in or associated with entities such as Alabuga SEZ, Alabuga Start, or Alabuga Polytechnic. Dr. Phamotse stressed that UAT operates exclusively through direct partnerships with accredited universities and does not engage with intermediary organizations.
“If any of our students, acting privately, have encountered such programs without our knowledge, we encourage them or concerned parties to report the matter so that it can be addressed,” Dr. Phamotse stated.
To safeguard the well-being of Basotho students in Russia, UAT has established a structured welfare monitoring program. This system, designed to track student experiences and promptly address any concerns, will also be publicly accessible via the upcoming website.
“Student welfare is not an afterthought but a core component of our program’s framework,” Dr. Phamotse noted.
Acknowledging that students’ parents are responsible for accommodation and food expenses, UAT highlighted that financial responsibilities are clearly defined through formal agreements with both the partnering university and guardians.
According to the official, this approach minimizes financial stress and reduces the risk of students seeking exploitative work to cover living costs. Institutional support structures are in place to provide additional assistance when necessary.
Finally, UAT emphasized that contingency plans have been developed to address any potential threats to student safety. In cases where students face unsafe or exploitative conditions, protocols for intervention, support, and, if required, repatriation are established. “Student safety is our utmost priority, and we are fully prepared to act decisively if any issues arise,” Dr. Phamotse affirmed.
With its focus on transparency, direct institutional engagement, and student welfare, UAT maintains that its scholarship program in Russia remains a secure and beneficial opportunity for young Basotho scholars.
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editor’s note
This article has been edited to clarify that Dr. Mahali Phamotse did not travel to Alabuga SEZ rather she travelled to Moscow on a different programme which is not affiliated to Alabuga [Dr. Phamotse did not share the name of the institution linked to her scholarship programme]
