Bhisho distances itself from ‘training’ scam
The Eastern Cape department of transport has warned vulnerable unemployed youths to be aware of an elaborate scam offering training opportunities with the department.
Provincial transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said there was an advert circulating on e-mail and social media where a “Barbara Bloem” was directing applicants to deposit a management fee through a retail store.
The Daily Dispatch has seen a copy of the e-mail with a letterhead of the department.
It states: “Dear applicant, I am pleased to inform you that your application for the Eastern Cape Road traffic management learnership programme 2018 has been successful. I look forward to meeting your for the interview stages (sic).”
The e-mail goes on to detail what the training will entail and says a stipend of R6 500 will be paid monthly.
The e-mail guarantees employment with the national department of transport on completion.
It further says the recruitment is done specifically for the national department.
“Let me categorically state that the training program is free of charge. Except that successful candidates are only required to settle a once-off admission fee of R150 to cover for all administration costs,” the e-mail reads.
Rantjie said the department disassociated itself with the scam. “The Eastern Cape department of transport has noted, with great concern, the use of its name in a scam targeting the public by promising them training opportunities in a partnership between the department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation,” Rantjie said.
She added that the department advertised jobs and training opportunities only through the mainstream media and government websites.
“In addition, the department [or any government organisation] will never ask for an administration fee to process an application,” she said.
Rantjie said they intended to open a criminal case with the police and encouraged anyone who paid money to “Bloem” to open a case too.
The e-mail states that a stipend of R6 500 will be paid monthly