The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued a stern warning regarding a concerning scam that has been targeting new, unemployed, and substitute teachers.
This fraudulent scheme lures educators with false promises of permanent teaching positions, before demanding payment under misleading circumstances.
Recent reports from several schools indicate that young teachers have received WhatsApp messages purportedly from district officials or school principals.
These messages falsely claim that a permanent teaching post has opened up at a particular school and that the recipient has been selected as the favoured candidate.
The beleaguered teachers are then instructed to attend a designated school armed with specific documentation, with a caveat: a ‘once-off fee’ of approximately R2,800 is supposedly required for the ‘authorisation of an appointment letter’ at district offices, along with the necessary banking details.
Sadly, some teachers have succumbed to this ploy, only to arrive at the schools after paying the so-called ‘authorisation fee,’ discovering no such position exists.
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This elaborate deception has not only caused considerable distress to the victims but also poses a considerable threat to the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials who are being impersonated in these scams.
In response to this alarming trend, the WCED has urged anyone who has been affected to report these incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
‘The WCED remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes and safeguarding the wellbeing of all educators.
We sincerely hope that no further individuals fall victim to this malicious scam, which not only undermines the reputation of our staff and institutions but also shatters the aspirations of young professionals seeking meaningful employment opportunities in education,’ the department said.
While investigations continue, the WCED has issued a critical advisory to the public. It emphasises that:
- Permanent teaching posts are exclusively advertised through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
- The WCED, including Head Office, District Offices, and schools, will never request payment for job applications or appointments.
- The online E-Recruitment System is the official platform for advertising and applying for teaching posts.
- All unemployed educators must register and apply via the E-Recruitment System.
- Temporary appointments are managed directly by schools; potential applicants are urged to verify the legitimacy of any advertised positions.
- No payment is required for any appointment within the WCED.
- Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the WCED and SAPS.
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Picture: WCED
