Paying a fee to get a job, a learnership or a training place
Agents or adverts that ask for money for a job, a uniform, a medical, training or a "registration" before you start.
Why we advise against it
Under the Employment Services Act, nobody may charge a work seeker a fee to find them work. The Department of Employment and Labour warns work seekers never to pay for a job. If an advert asks for money, report it and walk away.
Before you put in money or time
- Be wary of paying to start, to "unlock" earnings or to upgrade a level. Real employers and clients pay you.
- Check that it actually works for people in South Africa, and how you would be paid.
- Never share a one-time PIN (OTP), your banking login or a photo of your ID.
- Anything that takes your money to invest or trade must be authorised by the FSCA. Check the FSCA register first.
- If you earn mainly by recruiting people, it may be an illegal pyramid or multiplication scheme under section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act.
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Questions people ask
Is paying a fee to get a job, a learnership or a training place a good way to earn in South Africa?
Under the Employment Services Act, nobody may charge a work seeker a fee to find them work. The Department of Employment and Labour warns work seekers never to pay for a job. If an advert asks for money, report it and walk away.
How do I check an offer like this?
Never pay a joining or activation fee, never share an OTP, and check investment offers on the FSCA register. Our free scam checker shows which known warning signs an offer matches.
Sources (3)
Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy · every option we have researched