Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Health has warned members of the public of a scam by a man allegedly offering employment at the new Natalspruit Hospital in exchange for money. Reports of the scam broke following allegations by unemployed people from Ekurhuleni, Soweto and the Vaal that they were being asked to pay different amounts, starting from R3 000, in exchange for a job as a cleaner once the new hospital is operational. The amount goes higher for other job titles.

The department called on people not to pay anyone for jobs, noting that it was not the proper way of getting employment in the public sector. “As the department, we would like warn job seekers against this practice. If and when the department has to fill vacancies, posts will be advertised and selections made from the applications received,” said department spokesperson Simon Zwane.

He said no one would be employed at the gate of the hospital or be asked to pay a fee for the application or placement. Zwane encouraged victims of the scam to report the matter to the police so that the allegations can be thoroughly investigated and culprits brought to justice.