The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has warned job seekers to be on the lookout for fraudulent online advertisements offering teaching posts and examination assistant positions, after receiving enquiries about fake recruitment campaigns targeting unemployed people.

Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, said an advertisement circulating on social media falsely claimed that the Department of Basic Education was recruiting unemployed youth to mark Grade 12 examination scripts in December for R8 230.

“This advertisement is false and should be disregarded,” Hammond said.

Be vigilant when it comes to vacancies

The department has also been alerted to a website advertising teaching vacancies at schools where no such positions exist. Some of the schools concerned have confirmed that the advertisements are fraudulent and were not authorised by them.

Hammond urged job seekers to scrutinise online employment offers and look out for signs that an advertisement may be illegitimate.

“Warning signs include requests to apply via private email accounts, such as Gmail addresses, and advertisements that do not follow official recruitment processes,” she said.

The WCED identified two websites carrying false advertisements for examination assistant and educator positions: SA Teachers and Careers Time.

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The department stressed that permanent teaching posts are advertised exclusively through its Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, with the official WCED E-Recruitment System serving as the platform for advertising and applying for educator positions.

Unemployed educators seeking work in the Western Cape public school system must register and apply through this system. Opportunities for examination-related employment are advertised through the department’s official marking officials webpage.

Department would never ask for money

The WCED also cautioned the public against anyone demanding money in exchange for employment opportunities.

“The WCED, including Head Office, District Offices and schools, will never request payment for job applications, interviews or appointments,” Hammond said.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify vacancies through official WCED channels before submitting personal information or supporting documentation.

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