eThekwini warns of learnership programme SMS scam

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality warned residents applying for the city’s artisan development programme of a scam in which con artists solicit an application fee via SMS.

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Durban - The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality on Wednesday warned residents applying for the city’s artisan development programme of a scam in which con artists solicit an application fee via SMS.

In a statement released, the municipality said that the fraudulent SMS is being sent from an unverified account and “notifies applicants that they must pay R2 000 for their application to be considered”.

Dr Mpilo Ngubane, who is head of the municipal academy, said that no municipal learnerships were for sale and the applications for this particular course closed on Friday, June 10.

“Should applicants receive any messages, they must verify these at the municipality’s application office,” said Ngubane.

The municipality would not use SMSes to notify successful applicants, he said.

“The municipality does not ask those seeking employment to pay for a job. It is not the practice of the municipality to take bribes in exchange for jobs.”

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious messages to the city’s integrity and investigations unit on 0800 202020 and the South African Police Services on 10111.

African News Agency