In a climate of high unemployment, vulnerable job seekers in Alberton and surrounding areas are increasingly falling prey to sophisticated fake job scams, leaving them financially and emotionally drained.
Veer Steel Mill, a company with alleged ties to illegal migrant labor, was allegedly hiring 500 individuals, causing over 8,000 people to flock in with their CVs in search of work.
@albertonrecord Hundreds of people from different areas in Kathorus were seen walking toward Alrode, hoping to secure employment. The roads were packed with traffic, taxi ranks were overcrowded, and many rushed to get there early. This followed a viral video circulating on social media and WhatsApp claiming that a company in Alrode was hiring. Video by Bonga Okhethiweyo Mthembu
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Lebohang Sethosa, a job seeker from Thokoza, expressed his frustration. “I woke up at 3 am this morning when I heard that the company was hiring, only to realise that we’ve wasted our last money standing in these queues.”
He claims that 7,000 CVs were taken; however, no one was employed, and they were asked to wait for two weeks for the Department of Home Affairs to find out what to do next.
The rise of fraudulent job vacancies has become a significant concern, with scammers exploiting the desperation of those seeking employment.
Scammers often post fake job advertisements on popular online platforms and social media and even create convincing fake company websites. These advertisements frequently promise high salaries and minimal requirements, attracting a wide range of applicants.
A Veer Steel Mill representative who wished to remain anonymous explains that the video was a hoax.
@albertonrecord A Veer Steel Mill representative, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the viral video was a hoax. "These individuals, Moloi and Baloi, have caused a lot of confusion. Even if we were hiring, we would follow the proper recruitment protocol. We don’t hire 500 people a day, and the number of foreign nationals working here is far fewer than what has been reported," he said.
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“These individuals, Thabang Moloi, have caused a lot of confusion; the company doesn’t hire 500 people a day
Behind her a woman “screams bring back our CVs.” Her cry is based on the amount and time it takes to do these CVs, costing around R30-R50, which is money that can buy bread to eat.
A few months ago, Car Tracker advertised their learnership, and an influx of youth queued the whole day in Rosebank just to be turned back without submitting their CVs.
@bosslady6150 unemployed youth #SAMA28 #sama28tiktok🇿🇦 #southafrica #ANC #cartrack ♬ Safa Saphel' Isizwe - S'busiso Ngema
Youth unemployment is a problem in South Africa, as it is in many other nations. This is corroborated by data showing that the unemployment rate for young people, those between the ages of 15 and 34, was 45.5% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the national average of 32.9%.
The prevalence of these scams has had a devastating impact on the Alberton community, where many residents are already struggling to make ends meet. "It's heartbreaking to see how these scammers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society," says Bonga Okhethiweyo Mthembu from Alberton. "People are losing their savings and their hope in the process."
The Department of Employment and Labour has issued repeated warnings about the rise of fraudulent job scams. They urge job seekers to be vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of job offers before providing any personal information or making any payments.
IOL