The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has issued a warning to the public amid a new Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs scam.
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In a statement, the City confirmed that it was aware of the scam stemming from a WhatsApp message, which refers to mass recruitment for EPWP in 2023.
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It invites potential recruits to apply via an external link for a chance at a work opportunity with a monthly stipend between R7 000 and R20 000.
According to the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate, this link has since been shut down.
However, given that some job seekers are still falling victim to similar tricks, residents have been reminded how to distinguish a real job opportunity from a fake one.
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‘We appeal to job seekers to please be extra vigilant. It is very important to note that the City would never ask community members to pay for job opportunities, or to pay to apply for a job,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management Grant Twigg.
Here are some common signs that a job is a scam:
- The recruiter contacts you
- You receive a job offer right away
- The pay is suspiciously high
- Job requirements and descriptions are vague
- The company requires payment from you to be eligible for consideration
- The job promises that you will get wealthy fast
- Communication appears unprofessional (spelling/grammar errors)
- Contact information for the employer or company is missing
- A company requests confidential information before hiring
How to register for EPWP job opportunities
If you would like to be considered for EPWP work opportunities, the only way to do this is to register on the Jobseekers’ Database at your local sub-council office.
Please bring a copy of your CV, your ID or a valid South African work permit. EPWP beneficiaries are randomly selected from this database.
Also read:
City warns against fake health officials scamming business owners
Picture: Anaya Katlego / Unsplash