Notice about teachers needed a hoax‚ says education department

A notice being circulated on social media claiming the Department of Basic Education is looking for 4‚761 matriculants to be trained as teachers is a hoax‚ the department says.

The fake notice‚ purporting to be inviting applications for the department’s Funza Lushaka bursary programme‚ claims that the bursary will cover registration and tuition fees‚ as well as meals and accommodation.

It also claims that students will be paid an allowance for their practical work.

“The Department of Basic Education wishes to distance itself from this hoax chain message which has been circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instant Message facility WhatsApp.

 “Candidates and those wishing to apply for teaching bursaries through the programme are urged to be vigilant for such hoax messages and application invitations‚” the department stated on Monday.

 It added: “All official communication surrounding the Funza Lushaka Programme and its bursary opportunities will be communicated directly by the Department of Basic Education through its official channels including the DBE and Funza Lushaka Website (www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za).”