Scam targeting teachers continues

Statement by Bronagh Hammond – Director Communication – Western Cape Education Department

Last year, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) had been alerted to a concerning scam targeting new, unemployed and substitute teachers. This fraudulent scheme misleads educators into believing they have been selected for a teaching post and then solicits payment under false pretenses.

The WCED released an alert in December 2025 warning educators of this scam. 

Several schools have recently reported further incidents involving 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 scammers contact details. 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 “authorization 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.

We urge all affected individuals to report these incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

While these investigations are ongoing, we want to warn the broader public to be aware of this scam and to note the following:

• Permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
• The WCED (including Head Office, District Offices, and Schools) will never request payment for job applications or appointments.
• The online E-Recruitment System is the official platform for advertising and applying for posts.
• Unemployed educators must register and apply via the E-Recruitment System.
• Temporary appointments are managed directly by schools; applicants must verify the legitimacy of any advertised post.
• No payment is required for any appointment within the WCED.
• Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the WCED and SAPS.

The WCED remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes and safeguarding the wellbeing of all educators. 

We sincerely hope that no further individuals fall victim to this malicious scam, which not only undermines the reputation of our staff and institutions, but also shatters the aspirations of young professionals seeking meaningful employment opportunities in education.

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