Western Cape Education Department warns young teachers of WhatsApp scam
The Western Cape Education Department has warned young teachers to beware of a WhatsApp scam demanding “authorisation fees” for fake permanent posts.
Image: File
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has raised the alarm over a scam preying on unemployed, new and substitute teachers across Cape Town, with fraudsters posing as officials and soliciting money for fake permanent posts.
Several schools have reported WhatsApp messages sent to young educators claiming that a district official or principal has identified them as the “preferred candidate” for a permanent position. The messages instruct recipients to arrive at a school with documents — and then demand a “once-off fee” of about R2 800 for the supposed “authorisation of an appointment letter.”
Some teachers have already been deceived, arriving at schools after paying the fee, only to discover that no post exists. The scam has caused distress and risks damaging the reputations of genuine principals, schools and district officials who are being impersonated.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond urged victims to report cases to the South African Police Service as investigations continue.
Hammond stressed that permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, and that neither the department nor its schools or district offices will ever request payment for any job application or appointment.
She said the online E-Recruitment System remains the official platform for advertising and applying for posts, and unemployed educators must register and apply via this system. Temporary appointments are handled directly by schools, and applicants should verify the legitimacy of any advertised role. She emphasised that no payment is required for any WCED appointment.
Hammond urged the public to report suspicious activity immediately to both the WCED and SAPS.
She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting educators and maintaining the integrity of its recruitment processes.
“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,” Hammond said.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond urged victims to report cases to the South African Police Service as investigations continue.
Hammond stressed that permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, and that neither the department nor its schools or district offices will ever request payment for any job application or appointment.
She said the online E-Recruitment System remains the official platform for advertising and applying for posts, and unemployed educators must register and apply via this system. Temporary appointments are handled directly by schools, and applicants should verify the legitimacy of any advertised role. She emphasised that no payment is required for any WCED appointment.
Hammond urged the public to report suspicious activity immediately to both the WCED and SAPS.
She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting educators and maintaining the integrity of its recruitment processes.
“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,” Hammond said.
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