The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has issued a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent voice recording circulating on social media. The recording allegedly contains information about a tender for the transportation of student teachers to schools across the province. According to the department, the recording is entirely false and has no association with them.
Education HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo urged members of the public, prospective service providers, and other stakeholders to exercise extreme caution. He warned them not to engage with individuals or entities making representations based on the recording. The department has not issued the communication contained in the voice recording, nor does it endorse any of the claims or tender-related information being circulated.
The department emphasized that all legitimate procurement processes are conducted through prescribed government procurement procedures and official communication channels. Any tender or procurement opportunity associated with the department will be communicated through authorised platforms. Members of the public were advised not to provide personal information, make payments, or enter into arrangements with anyone claiming to act on behalf of the department based on the recording.
The warning comes amid a spate of scams targeting unsuspecting members of the public. Recently, the Msunduzi municipality warned job seekers about a scam where municipal jobs were being offered in exchange for payment. Similarly, desperate job seekers have lost thousands of rands in a SAPS job scam.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is taking the matter seriously and will consider appropriate measures if evidence emerges of individuals unlawfully misrepresenting the department or its officials. The department is urging members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The fraudulent voice recording has raised concerns about the security of government procurement processes. The department has assured the public that it will do everything in its power to prevent such scams from happening in the future. Members of the public are advised to verify any information they receive from unknown sources with the department before taking any action.
In conclusion, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is urging the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals or entities claiming to offer tenders or procurement opportunities. The department will communicate any legitimate opportunities through authorised platforms, and members of the public should not engage with anyone making representations based on the fraudulent voice recording.
Key points
- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has warned the public about a fraudulent voice recording claiming to offer a tender for student teacher transportation.
- The department has urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution and not engage with individuals or entities making representations based on the recording.
- All legitimate procurement processes are conducted through prescribed government procurement procedures and official communication channels.
