It is illegal in South Africa to be asked to pay for a job.
This fact was once again emphasised by the Department of Employment and Labour who has noted with concern yet another scam titled “Youth Employment Program”.
Teboho Thejane, departmental spokesperson, said in a statement scammers are taking advantage of the high unemployment rate in the country.
“The department does not have a youth employment program,” Thejane stated.
The scammers also fraudulently use Employment and Labour minister T.W. Nxesi and the department’s social media accounts to swindle the public.
Thejane said the department has a Public Employment Services (PES) branch that assists companies and workers to adjust to changing labour market conditions.
PES offers a range of free public employment services, including registering work-seekers on Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) – an online job-matching platform, as well as employment counselling, and providing subsidies or schemes to non-governmental organisations that assist in the employment of persons with disabilities.
“Desist from paying so-called fully refundable fees when looking for employment,” Thejane emphasised.
If unsure what action to take, go to any of the department’s more than 125 offices or labour centres and mobile service points throughout the country for more information.
“Be alert and protect yourself. Do not part away with your hard earned cash and personal details. Do not pay for a job offer,” Thejane concluded.
