R8 230 to mark matric exams? WCED says that job advert is fake
Photo: Paul The Writer, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
The social media advert offering unemployed youth R8 230 to mark Grade 12 exam scripts in December 2026 is fake, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said in a statement on 21 October. Don't apply, and don't send it any personal details.
The national Department of Basic Education (DBE) has also flagged the same post as fake news, Hypertext reported.
What does the fake advert claim?
It says the DBE is recruiting unemployed young people as "examination assistants" to mark matric scripts this December for a payment of R8 230. The WCED says the advert "is false and should be disregarded" (WCED).
Matric scripts are marked at marking centres by qualified, trained markers, according to DBE guidance cited by Hypertext. In the Western Cape, exam posts are advertised on the WCED website (WCED).
Are there fake teaching posts too?
Yes. The WCED says a website has been advertising teaching vacancies at Western Cape schools that never advertised them, and some schools have confirmed the posts are fraudulent (WCED).
The department named two sites carrying the false adverts: "Teaching Jobs & School Vacancies in South Africa (2026) | SA Teachers" and "Examination Assistant Job" (WCED).
How can you spot a fake education job?
The WCED lists these warning signs (WCED):
- You're asked to apply to a private email address, such as a Gmail account.
- The advert doesn't follow the official recruitment process.
- Anyone asks for money. The WCED, its district offices and schools never charge for applications, interviews or appointments.
The DBE says real recruitment appears on its official platforms at education.gov.za and uses official @dbe.gov.za email addresses (Hypertext).
Where are real WCED jobs advertised?
- Permanent teaching posts: only through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection, on the E-Recruitment System. Unemployed educators must register there to apply.
- Exam marking and other exam posts: on the WCED's NSC marking officials page.
- School governing body (SGB) posts: schools may advertise these themselves. Phone the school or check its official website to confirm the post is real.
Check any job through these official WCED channels before you send an ID copy, CV or other personal documents (WCED).
FAQ
Is the R8 230 matric exam marking job real?
No. The WCED and the Department of Basic Education say the social media advert offering unemployed youth R8 230 to mark Grade 12 scripts in December 2026 is fake.
Where are real WCED teaching posts advertised?
Permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED's Directorate: Recruitment and Selection on its E-Recruitment System at westerncape.gov.za/education/vacancies.
Do I have to pay to apply for a teaching or exam job?
No. The WCED says its head office, district offices and schools never ask for payment for job applications, interviews or appointments.
How do I check if an SGB post is real?
The WCED says SGB posts can be advertised by schools, so confirm the post directly with the school by phone or through its official website.