New, unemployed and substitute teachers in the Western Cape are again being targeted by a scam that promises permanent posts and demands payment for fake appointment letters.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) first flagged the scheme in December 2025 and says several schools have now reported fresh incidents, according to WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.

Here’s how it works. “WhatsApp messages sent to teachers. These messages typically claim to be from a district official or school principal and state that a permanent post has become available at a particular school, with the recipient identified as the preferred candidate. The WhatsApp message may even include the name and photograph of the relevant principal or official to make the communication appear authentic. The message then instructs the teacher to report to a school with specific documentation or contact a ‘WCED official using the scammer’s contact details,” says Hammond.

This deception has caused significant distress to the affected individuals and has the potential to damage the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials.

Critically, it concludes with a request for a “once-off fee”, usually to the amount of approximately R2 800, allegedly required for the “authorisation of an appointment letter” at district offices, accompanied by banking details.

“Regrettably, some teachers have fallen victim to this scam, arriving at schools having paid the so-called authorisation fee, only to discover that no such post exists. This deception has caused significant distress to the affected individuals and has the potential to damage the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials who are being impersonated.”

Affected individuals are urged to report incidents to the South African Police Service. The department stresses that permanent teaching posts are advertised only through its directorate of recruitment and selection, and that the WCED including head office, district offices and schools will never ask for payment for job applications or appointments.

ALSO READ: Mathematics teacher reflects on being named the Western Cape’s best

The official platform for advertising and applying for posts is the online E-Recruitment System, where unemployed educators must register and apply. Temporary appointments are handled directly by schools.