Basic Education Department Warns Against Fake R350 Teacher Verification Claims Circulating on Social Media
Pretoria, Gauteng – The Basic Education Department is urging the public to stop sharing unverified content linked to the recruitment and verification of teachers. This call follows posts on social media claiming that teachers are required to pay R350 for verification. The department has dismissed these claims as false, adding that all legitimate recruitment, verification, and appointment processes are managed directly by provincial education departments.
Spokesperson Terence Khala warns that sharing such false information undermines public trust in the education system. “The department is working closely with relevant authorities to trace the source of this false information and urges social media users to refrain from sharing or amplifying unverified content. Teachers, public servants, learners, and members of the public are reminded to rely solely on the department’s official communication channels for credible information. Verified updates are always shared through,” Khala said.
This alert comes amid growing concerns over online scams targeting job seekers in the education sector, where fraudsters exploit high unemployment rates among qualified teachers. The department’s response highlights the need for vigilance in an era where misinformation spreads quickly on platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
The Origins of the False Claims
The misinformation appears to stem from a specific TikTok video that has been circulating widely, falsely stating that educators must pay R350 to verify their qualifications for job opportunities. The video claims this fee is part of an official process, but the department has labelled it as “false and malicious,” with no basis in reality. Similar posts have popped up on other social media sites, often shared without checking facts, leading to confusion among teachers and the public.
In South Africa, where thousands of qualified teachers wait for posts each year, such rumours can cause real harm. Many educators, desperate for work, might fall for scams that promise quick fixes but end up costing them money or exposing them to identity theft. The department notes that provincial offices handle all verifications free of charge, as part of standard hiring procedures.
Department’s Firm Stance and Actions Taken
In a strong rebuttal, the Basic Education Department has made it clear that no payments are ever required for teacher recruitment or verification. All processes, from applying for posts to confirming qualifications, are done through official channels without any fees. Khala emphasised that the department is teaming up with law enforcement to track down those spreading the lies, aiming to stop the damage before it worsens.
This is not the first time the department has had to fight fake news. Earlier in 2025, similar alerts were issued about bogus job ads asking for upfront payments. The government’s Peduli system, used for teacher placements, is secure and does not involve any costs to applicants. By debunking these claims quickly, the department hopes to protect vulnerable job seekers and maintain smooth operations in schools.
Why Sharing Unverified Content is Dangerous
Misinformation like this does more than confuse people – it erodes faith in the education system at a time when South Africa needs strong public support for schools. When false claims spread, they can lead to teachers missing out on real opportunities because they doubt official processes. It also wastes time for department staff who have to handle queries and complaints based on lies.
In a broader sense, this ties into national efforts to combat fake news. The Information Regulator has warned about the rise of scams on social media, especially those targeting public sector jobs. Teachers, often underpaid and overworked, are easy targets for fraudsters promising shortcuts. Khala’s statement reminds everyone that sharing without checking can make things worse, urging users to think twice before hitting ‘share’.
How to Access Reliable Information on Teacher Recruitment
To avoid falling for scams, the department advises sticking to trusted sources. Official updates come through the DBE website, provincial education department sites, and verified social media accounts like @DBE_SA on X (formerly Twitter). For example, job vacancies are posted on the government’s e-recruitment portal, and verifications are handled internally without any public fees.
Teachers can also contact their provincial offices directly for guidance. In Gauteng, for instance, the education department has dealt with similar verification delays but stresses that no payments are involved – issues are administrative, not financial. The DBE encourages reporting suspicious posts to platforms or authorities to help curb the spread.
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