The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has renewed its warning about a scam targeting new, unemployed and substitute teachers who are being falsely promised teaching positions in exchange for payment.
The department first alerted educators to the scam in December 2025. Several schools have now reported new incidents involving fraudulent WhatsApp messages sent to teachers.
According to the WCED, scammers typically impersonate district officials or school principals and tell recipients that a permanent teaching post has become available at a particular school.
The messages may use the name and photograph of a genuine principal or official to appear legitimate. Teachers are then instructed to report to a school with certain documents or contact a supposed WCED official using contact details supplied by the scammers.
The scam ultimately involves a request for a once-off payment of about R2 800, allegedly needed to authorise an appointment letter at district offices. Banking details are provided for the payment.
The WCED says some teachers have already fallen victim, arriving at schools after paying the so-called authorisation fee, only to discover that the advertised posts do not exist.
The department warned that the scam is causing significant distress and could also damage the reputations of schools, principals and officials whose identities are being misused.
Affected individuals are urged to report the incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.
The WCED emphasised that it never charges applicants for teaching positions or appointments.
Permanent teaching vacancies are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, while the official E-Recruitment System is used to advertise and apply for posts.
Unemployed educators are required to register and apply through the system, while temporary appointments are managed directly by schools. Applicants are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any temporary position before providing information or taking further action.
The department advised educators to remember:
-Permanent teaching posts are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
-The WCED, including its Head Office, District Offices and schools, will never request payment for a job application or appointment.
-The official E-Recruitment System is the platform for advertising and applying for posts.
-No payment is required for any WCED appointment.
-Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the WCED and SAPS.
The WCED said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its recruitment processes and urged educators to remain vigilant to prevent further victims from being caught by the scam.
The department first alerted educators to the scam in December 2025. Several schools have now reported new incidents involving fraudulent WhatsApp messages sent to teachers.
According to the WCED, scammers typically impersonate district officials or school principals and tell recipients that a permanent teaching post has become available at a particular school.
The messages may use the name and photograph of a genuine principal or official to appear legitimate. Teachers are then instructed to report to a school with certain documents or contact a supposed WCED official using contact details supplied by the scammers.
The scam ultimately involves a request for a once-off payment of about R2 800, allegedly needed to authorise an appointment letter at district offices. Banking details are provided for the payment.
The WCED says some teachers have already fallen victim, arriving at schools after paying the so-called authorisation fee, only to discover that the advertised posts do not exist.
The department warned that the scam is causing significant distress and could also damage the reputations of schools, principals and officials whose identities are being misused.
Affected individuals are urged to report the incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.
The WCED emphasised that it never charges applicants for teaching positions or appointments.
Permanent teaching vacancies are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, while the official E-Recruitment System is used to advertise and apply for posts.
Unemployed educators are required to register and apply through the system, while temporary appointments are managed directly by schools. Applicants are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any temporary position before providing information or taking further action.
The department advised educators to remember:
-Permanent teaching posts are advertised through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
-The WCED, including its Head Office, District Offices and schools, will never request payment for a job application or appointment.
-The official E-Recruitment System is the platform for advertising and applying for posts.
-No payment is required for any WCED appointment.
-Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the WCED and SAPS.
The WCED said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its recruitment processes and urged educators to remain vigilant to prevent further victims from being caught by the scam.
