Public warned of imposters using Presidency name

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Pretoria - The Presidency has warned the public and businesses about imposters using the name of President Jacob Zuma and the Presidency to obtain jobs and favours.

“The Presidency wishes to alert company executives and the public about two impostors who abuse the name of President Jacob Zuma and the Presidency to obtain jobs and favours,” said the Presidency on Tuesday.

According to the Presidency, a female person who allegedly goes by the name of Pink Nomathamsanqa Vena – who was reportedly until three months ago an executive at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) - approaches senior executives in companies looking for employment or favours.

She claims to have been referred to them by Presidency’s Chief Operations Officer Lakela Kaunda, acting on the instructions of President Jacob Zuma.

“The President has never met Ms Vena, neither has Ms Kaunda. Company executives approached by Ms Vena are urged to exercise caution and also to report her to the police,” said the Presidency.

The Presidency also alerted the public to a person allegedly employed as a receptionist at Hillview High School in Mayville, Pretoria who uses the name of the Presidency to defraud people.

The woman promises to secure employment at the Presidency in exchange for money.

She has been reported to the Ministry of Basic Education for investigation.

“Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to verify information at all times, and not allow themselves to be misled by unscrupulous individuals.” - SAnews.gov.za