Teachers have encouraged their unemployed colleagues to follow proper employment channels after an alleged fraudster has been falsely promising teaching posts in exchange for money.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has distanced itself from the alleged fraudster impersonating department officials.

Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department has noted with serious concern allegations of fraud involving an individual known as Amahle Nene-Sishi, who has been accused of scamming unsuspecting individuals by falsely promising them teaching posts in exchange for money.

“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 nor any department officials are involved in these criminal activities.

He urged all those who have fallen victim to this scam to come forward and report the matter to law enforcement authorities.

“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.

“For any verification of employment opportunities, members of the public are advised to contact the Department of Education directly through its official communication platforms.”

Earlier, a teacher warned their colleagues about a scam where a woman was promising unemployed teachers teaching posts in KZN and Gauteng.

She scams them of large sums of money by portraying herself as 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 especially, new graduates who are desperate for work,” the teacher said.

“Mostly she uses pictures she had taken with some department officials. This is Miss Amahle Nene-Sishi.”

Reacting, one teacher said: “Learn to do straight things, just apply for the job position for yourself.”

Another teacher said: “Stop paying for jobs bakithi, yes it’s frustrating applying and not being called but paying then not getting the promised job is another thing that causes frustration.”

A third teacher said: “Jobs aren’t paid for. Once the person says pay, run Molefe run.”

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.

“Naptosa urges law enforcement to successfully prosecute this individual to ensure that it serves as a deterrent.”

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.

“We reiterate that education job seekers should refrain from paying for posts.

“Unemployed teachers must apply for posts as and when they are advertised in an open vacancy bulletin.”

Ngema said that currently, the department is processing the appointments of teachers for posts that were published last year.

“We urge job seekers to report these incidents to law enforcement agencies so that these heartless criminals can be brought to justice. If officials of the Department of Education are implicated, they too should be investigated,” Ngema said.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za