The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says a new recruitment scam is doing the rounds specifically targeting incoming educators.

The WCED’s spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says fraudsters are sending WhatsApp messages pretending to be district officials or school principals. These messages claim a permanent teaching post is available and that the teacher is the preferred candidate.

“The message instructs the teacher to report to a school with specific documentation. Critically, it concludes with a request for a “once-off fee” of approximately R2 800 allegedly required for the “authorisation of an appointment letter” at district offices, accompanied by banking details.”

The department confirmed that several teachers have already fallen victim, arriving at schools only to find no job exists. The WCED says the scam is causing distress and damaging the reputations of schools and officials who are being impersonated.

The department is urging victims to report cases to the South African Police Services immediately.

“We would also like to remind the public that permanent posts are advertised only through the WCED’s official recruitment system, and that no payment is ever required for any job application or appointment.”

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