Beware of eThekwini municipal job scam

'We appeal to the public not to respond to any recruitment advertisements where an applicant is required to pay.'

File picture: Northglen News

The eThekwini municipality has warned residents to be aware of the latest scam offering municipal jobs for sale, reports the Northglen News.

Tozi Mthethwa, city spokesperson, said the scam involved fraudulent advertisements from a con artist claiming to be a municipal employee.

In the latest scam, applicants were told to pay a fee ranging from R150 to R1 500 to secure a job at the municipality as either a cleaner, an official for Durban Solid Waste or under the expanded public works programme.

“The con artist, known as Amanda, has been sending messages to unsuspecting individuals using WhatsApp saying that after paying the necessary fee at any PEP Store, Rhino, Spar and Cambridge, applicants must visit 13th Floor Shell House in 221 Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street), Durban, 4001 to submit their curriculum vitae so that they can get a job at the municipality.

“We appeal to the public not to respond to any recruitment advertisements where an applicant is required to pay. Any applicant who pays to secure a job is engaging in an unlawful act.

“The municipality does not charge the public to apply for any advertised post. The municipality also follows a fair and transparent recruitment process. Our employment policies and practices are committed to developing a multi-cultural and diverse workforce that is non-racist, non-sexist, and non-discriminatory. Jobseekers are urged to follow the correct procedures when applying for a job,” she said.

If anyone has been asked to pay a bribe in order to secure a municipal job, we urge them to report these cases to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit on 0800 202 020.

Read the full statement by the municipality as posted on its Facebook page: