Multiple false adverts for South African army training and jobs shared on social media

A Facebook post shared thousands of times since January 21, 2022 purports to assist users with access to military application forms. 

“Let's Help those Who Fail to register For SA ARMY MILITARY TRAINING APPLICATION 2022 with the PDF Application Forms,” the post’s caption reads.

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A screenshot of the false post, taken on February 14, 2022

The post shares a Google Site link, which further redirects the user to another site called Job Finder 247 that lists a June 16, 2021 job advertisement for a 2022 “Military Skills Traineeship Programme”.  But this application had a closing date of July 18, 2021.

The job advertisement on Job Finder 247 includes a description with some of the requirements but fails to indicate how one can apply for the alleged military job and the “Apply Here” button is unclickable.

The website appears to list real jobs but does not update old postings, making them available beyond their expiration dates. 

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A screenshot of the Job Finder 247 advert, taken on February 14, 2022

There are several similar recent posts circulating on Facebook, including here and here, that lead to another job listing site. 

This advertisement promotes applications for the South African army’s “Military Skills Development System”, which is a two-year programme that includes training, but the PDF form is also outdated based on the July 30, 2021 closing date.

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A previous SANDF application used to give credibility to the false posts

The posts ask readers to reply with the words "Send Forms". To some of those who replied, the post author wrote: "YOU ARE SELECTED" and instructed them to share the post in 14 other Facebook groups as well as send them their phone number to receive the applications. This plea to reshare posts to multiple groups is typical of scams that seek to grow a page's follower numbers. 

No recruitment process underway

The South African army issued two separate statements refuting the claims.

The SANDF “wishes to state categorically that there is currently no official recruitment process underway,” reads the press statement issued on February 1, 2022. 

“The Military Skills Development Service intake for the year 2022 has been completed and there is currently no MSDS recruitment drive underway for 2023,” the SANDF added.

Just a few days later on February 5, 2022, the SANDF warned “unsuspecting youths not to engage with the scammers on the online link provided” in yet another social media post.

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A screenshot of a false listing, taken on February 14, 2022

“This is not a recognised or legitimate SANDF online platform”, the statement said.  

The department advises applicants to consult the official website www.dod.mil.za or contact the SANDF Recruitment office at +27 12 312 2172.

Brigadier General Andries Mokoena Mahapa told Newzroom Africa that the authors behind some of these posts are soliciting money from applicants.

The SANDF has encouraged citizens to anonymously report illegitimate job advertisements to their nearest military establishment or law enforcement agencies.