Tender and job scams continue unabated
Tenders and job scams in municipalities and government departments in the province are continuing unabated.
The Mopani District Municipality officials recently learned that unscrupulous people are soliciting money from members of the public with the promise of job placements in the five local municipalities across the district.
“The Mopani District Municipality or any other government entity will never request applicants to pay any fee for employment. All applications are subjected to the formal recruitment processes, and this starts with the advertisement of posts on our website, print media and the municipal social media platforms.
“Successful applicants are screened, shortlisted and invited to participate in an interview process before an employment offer is made,” said municipal spokesperson, Odas Ngobeni.
Ngobeni said that the district municipality warns members of the public not to participate in these illegal activities, by paying for jobs.
“We know that many of our people are desperate for jobs, but should not fall prey to these scammers. We are also urging members of the public to report to the law enforcement authorities any attempts by these dodgy characters to solicit money in exchange for false jobs,” urged Ngobeni.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Department of Health recently alerted community members about a scam targeting business people.
Also read: Property scammers, scamming tactics and preventive measures you need to know
According to the department spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, the scammers have opened email addresses almost similar to those of some senior officials in the department, particularly in the finance and supply chain.
“They mail bidders and request them to call the numbers provided purporting to be of those senior officials. “When they call, the scammers request bribes to facilitate tenders that are being evaluated,” said Shikwambana.
He said that the department reminds community members that no one has to pay a bribe in order to get a tender in the department. The awarding of tenders in the department is guided by the Public Finance Management Act and other tender regulations.
“If anyone receives such emails, they must know that it is scammers who are trying to swindle them utilising the names of some officials of the department. Therefore, community members are requested to be vigilant at all times,” advised Shikwambana.
