While many of our citizens are struggling to find employment, especially at this time of the pandemic, there are ‘vultures’ out there who are preying on the innocent with a promise of employment at the municipality, as long as they are willing to pay a certain amount of money. A number of people have come to the Vryheid Herald offices to complain after they have been duped into paying money in order to be employed as general workers at AbaQulusi Local Municipality. According to the scan victims, the culprit operates under different names – either as Mr Sibiya, Mr Ximba or Mr Xulu. “As the municipality, we would like to warn our citizens that the municipality will never request money from candidates in order for them to be either shortlisted for an interview or be employed without going through an interview process.” Also, the municipality can assure AbaQulusi residents that no interviews are held when looking to fill general worker positions. However, these vacant posts are advertised like any other positions on the Municipal Noticeboard and in the newspapers such as the Vryheid Herald, Ilanga and Isolezwe. Any candidate who has been approached by this culprit should come to our HR offices (Market Building in Mark Street) and verify the alleged posts with our HR Manager, Mr Sbongakonke Mhlongo. This will help the candidates not to fall victim and pay for dubious job opportunities. Those who have managed to meet this scam artist and have paid for a job should open a criminal case with the police and also alert the municipality by visiting the mentioned office and asking for Mr Mhlongo. The community must also note that no one has been called for an interview for the position of an electrician, which was advertised in December, as the municipality is currently busy with the shortlisting process. Anyone who has been approached regarding this position and has been asked to pay, should urgently report the matter to the municipality. Clues that it’s a scam:
- Being invited to an interview for a job you did not apply for;
- Being asked to pay a certain amount in order to be shortlisted or employed without going through an interview;
- Too good to be true;
- Unprofessional emails and emails that don’t include contact details;
- Unclear job description and requirements;
- You are asked to give out confidential information;
- Online search results of the particular company do not add up;
- You are asked to pay for other things.
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