The City urges you to report scams and fake news. This week, International Whistleblowers Day was commemorated, putting the spotlight on whistleblowers.
Blow the whistle on scams and fake news
On the day, the City of Cape Town’s Ethics and Forensics Department sounded the alarm and asked citizens, especially the youth, to join the fight against fraud, corruption and online scams. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, says you could save someone from being conned by sending a simple, anonymous tip to 0800 32 31 30.
Be Cape Town’s next hero whistleblower
Is your granny about to fall for a WhatsApp scam? Is someone trying to “sell” you a spot on the City’s housing list? You might just be Cape Town’s next hero whistleblower.
MMC Mbandezi added, “Our youth are digital natives – they know the tricks. That’s why we’re calling on them to help protect their communities, their parents, and their future.”
READ MORE: Amnesty International: No one is safe in South Africa
Online fraud is getting sneakier
Online fraud is getting sneakier – think AI-generated deepfakes, fake branding, dodgy emails, and “official” threats to cut your water or electricity. But here’s the truth: the City does NOT charge to be placed on a housing waiting list, and no one can privately “sell” you City services.
MORE ABOUT: Whistleblowers’ safety is everyone’s safety
Misinformation spreads like wildfire
Misinformation spreads like wildfire, and the digital overload can cloud even the sharpest minds. That’s why officials are urging residents to pause, verify, and check the source before sharing anything online.
“Blowing the whistle is not just brave — it’s vital. Cape Town has strict whistleblower protections and is serious about every tip-off,” he concluded.
🎯 If you see something, say something: 0800 32 31 30. Stay sharp. Stay safe.
