Asked to pay for an eThekwini job? The City says it's a scam
Photo: Mariannebritsstrodl via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
eThekwini Municipality says nobody can sell you a municipal job or make your municipal debt disappear for a fee. Anyone asking for money to do either is a fraudster, the City warned in a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 October (IOL).
The municipality said criminals are using the names of real officials to win people's trust, then demanding payment for jobs, account write-offs and other services (IOL).
What exactly is the scam?
Callers or contacts pose as municipal officials and promise one of three things in exchange for cash: a job at the City, a reduced or cleared municipal account, or help with another municipal service (IOL).
The City says no official is allowed to ask for or accept payment for employment, debt arrangements or any municipal service. "Soliciting or offering money in exchange for employment is a criminal offence," it said (IOL).
That cuts both ways. Paying a bribe for a job is also a crime, not only taking one.
Where are real eThekwini jobs advertised?
Only on the municipality's own jobs page, and applying is free (IOL). A vacancy shared on WhatsApp or by a "contact" inside the City, with a fee attached, is not a real vacancy.
The risk is not new. A City investigation into 2023/24 Durban Metro Police recruitment found that about R420,000 allegedly changed hands, with people paying for police jobs that never came (IOL).
How do I sort out my municipal account safely?
Go in person to your nearest Sizakala Centre for help with your account or a payment arrangement (IOL).
Earlier warnings from the City set out how real municipal payments work (IOL):
- The City never sends emails from Gmail addresses.
- It never asks for payment over WhatsApp.
- Its FNB account number, 63165746323, is printed on your official bill.
- When paying by EFT, use the public beneficiary "eThekwini Municipality" in your banking app.
- Staff do not collect cash at your door, and officials sent to a property carry ID cards and a disconnection slip.
Where do I report it?
Report it to the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate (CIID) on its toll-free hotline, 0800 20 20 20, where you can stay anonymous, and open a case with SAPS (IOL).
CIID director Jimmy Ngcobo said investigations are under way and asked anyone who has been approached, or has already paid, to come forward (IOL).
FAQ
Do I have to pay to get a job at eThekwini Municipality?
No. The City says applications are free and no official may ask for or accept money for a job. Vacancies are advertised only on durban.gov.za/page/jobs.
Can someone at the City write off my municipal debt for a fee?
No. eThekwini says no official is authorised to take payment for debt arrangements. Visit your nearest Sizakala Centre for help with your account.
How do I report an eThekwini job or account scam?
Call the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate toll-free on 0800 20 20 20 (you can stay anonymous) and report it to SAPS.
What is eThekwini's official bank account number?
The City's FNB account number is 63165746323, and it appears on your official municipal bill. When paying by EFT, use the public beneficiary eThekwini Municipality.