The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued a warning to teachers regarding fraudulent messages on WhatsApp that offer fake teaching positions and demand a so-called 'authorization fee' of approximately R2 800.
WCED drew attention to this scheme, which targets teachers who are job searching or working as substitute teachers. A WCED representative, Brona Hammond, reported that the department has reissued the warning, having previously informed teachers about this scam back in December 2025.
The fraudulent scheme deceives educators by making them believe they have been selected for a position, and then demands payment under false pretenses. Hammond noted that recent incidents have been recorded by several schools that received the messages via WhatsApp.
Fake WhatsApp messages, posing as school principals or district officials, notify teachers that they are the preferred candidate for a permanent position. To add credibility, these messages often use real photos and names of officials.
The message contains instructions for teachers to report to the school with documents or contact the fake official. This requires a one-time payment of approximately R2 800 and bank details to receive an 'appointment letter.'
Hammond stated that some teachers have fallen victim to this fraud, arriving at schools after paying the so-called 'authorization fee,' only to discover that such a position does not exist. She emphasized that this deception has caused significant distress to the victims and could damage the reputation of the schools, principals, and district officials whose names are used for impersonation.
Hammond reminded that the official platform for posting vacancies and submitting applications is the E-Recruitment System, where unemployed teachers must register. She urged anyone affected by these scams to report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for an official investigation.
Furthermore, she assured that WCED, including the head office, district offices, and schools, never requests payment for applications or appointments. Schools manage temporary appointments independently, so candidates must verify all posted advertisements.
WCED confirmed its commitment to protecting the well-being of teachers and ensuring the integrity of the hiring process.