IT HAS become a “serious concern” for the Department of Education how unemployed teachers in KwaZulu-Natal were being duped by a scamster into believing that she could arrange teaching jobs for a fee.

The department has condemned the activities of the alleged perpetrator who apparently goes by the name of “Amahle Nene-Sishi”.

To authenticate her scheme, the said conman is believed to have shown pictures of herself with senior department officials to unsuspecting individuals to win their confidence.

Other teachers have encouraged their unemployed colleagues to follow proper employment channels in their job-seeking efforts so that they do not become victims of the scheme.

The department has also distanced itself from the alleged fraudster impersonating department officials.

Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department had noted with serious concern the allegations of fraud involving the individual known as “Amahle Nene-Sishi”, who has made false promises.

“The department categorically distances itself from this individual and strongly condemns any fraudulent activities that seek to exploit job seekers under false pretences.

“It has come to our attention that the alleged fraudster has used photographs taken with senior officials, including the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, to mislead victims into believing she has the authority to facilitate employment within the department,” Mahlambi said.

Hlomuka has clarified that neither he or any department officials were involved in such criminal activities.

“We strongly condemn any form of corruption and fraudulent misrepresentation.

“I urge all individuals who have been defrauded to report these incidents to the police immediately. The department has already escalated this matter to law enforcement agencies for urgent investigation, and we will fully cooperate to ensure that justice is served,” Hlomuka said.

Mahlambi added that the department reaffirms its commitment to ethical recruitment processes and warns the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.

“All official employment opportunities within the department are processed through transparent communication channels, including the department’s social media, the department’s website, and other reputable media outlets.

A teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned colleagues about the workings of the scamster, who promised unemployed teachers posts in KZN and Gauteng.

“She apparently scams victims of large sums of money by portraying herself to be a department head at a school in Durban, sometimes a business studies advisor or working at Truro House, yet she is none of those.

“Please share this and warn others, especially new graduates who are desperate for work,” the teacher said.

“Often, she uses pictures she had taken with some department officials,” confirmed the informant.

Another teacher, who also asked not be named, said: “Learn to do straight things, just apply for the job position for yourself.”

National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) KZN CEO Thirona Moodley said the union has always condemned the widespread corruption relating to educator appointments in the department.

“Appointments through nefarious means result in incompetent or unqualified persons being appointed. This will directly impact the quality of teaching and learning,” Moodley said.

National Teachers Union (Natu) general secretary Doctor Ngema said unfortunately, people target and fraud the unemployed teachers for their narrow, self-enriching interests.

“Natu condemns fraud in the recruitment of teachers,” Ngema said

DAILY NEWS