In January 2019, Africa Check fact-checked an advert claiming that the South African supermarket chain Shoprite was recruiting new workers.
Recently another advert was published on a South African Facebook page claiming that there were several “December jobs” available at Shoprite.
Text on the ad says: “We have new vacancies at your local Shoprite: packers, cashiers, assistants and cleaners.”
The text contains links to a website called Careerhost which redirects to the official Shoprite careers website.
The text also instructs job seekers to apply by typing “help” in the comments section.
But can job-seekers really apply at Shoprite by simply typing “help” on a Facebook post?
The retailer told Africa Check: “Shoprite has no association with the Facebook page or Careerhost website”.
This post is not linked to anyone at Shoprite. The retailer also warned job-seekers against fake adverts requesting fees from applicants.
“It is important to note that the Shoprite Group of companies will never require any candidate to pay a fee when applying for a position within the Group.”
“Anyone requesting such a fee is not doing so on behalf of the Shoprite Group and is not operating with our knowledge or consent.”
Shoprite said job seekers should only use their careers website, which has reliable and up-to-date information.
Details of holiday work for the December period can also be accessed by dialling *120*446# on a mobile phone, within South Africa.
There are a few important things to look for in any job advert, according to MPC Recruitment Group, a recruitment company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Credible job adverts should have a reference number indicated and a valid email address or contact number of the agent or company representative,” consultant Roxanne Oosthuizen previously told Africa Check.
“People can also call the actual firm and speak to their human resources representatives or internal recruitment team.” – Lloyd Hazvineyi
Recently another advert was published on a South African Facebook page claiming that there were several “December jobs” available at Shoprite.
Text on the ad says: “We have new vacancies at your local Shoprite: packers, cashiers, assistants and cleaners.”
The text contains links to a website called Careerhost which redirects to the official Shoprite careers website.
The text also instructs job seekers to apply by typing “help” in the comments section.
But can job-seekers really apply at Shoprite by simply typing “help” on a Facebook post?
Shoprite does not advertise jobs on Facebook
The retailer told Africa Check: “Shoprite has no association with the Facebook page or Careerhost website”.
This post is not linked to anyone at Shoprite. The retailer also warned job-seekers against fake adverts requesting fees from applicants.
“It is important to note that the Shoprite Group of companies will never require any candidate to pay a fee when applying for a position within the Group.”
“Anyone requesting such a fee is not doing so on behalf of the Shoprite Group and is not operating with our knowledge or consent.”
Reliable ads only found on Shoprite website
Shoprite said job seekers should only use their careers website, which has reliable and up-to-date information.
Details of holiday work for the December period can also be accessed by dialling *120*446# on a mobile phone, within South Africa.
How to check if job ad real
There are a few important things to look for in any job advert, according to MPC Recruitment Group, a recruitment company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Credible job adverts should have a reference number indicated and a valid email address or contact number of the agent or company representative,” consultant Roxanne Oosthuizen previously told Africa Check.
“People can also call the actual firm and speak to their human resources representatives or internal recruitment team.” – Lloyd Hazvineyi
Republish our content for free
For publishers: what to do if your post is rated false
A fact-checker has rated your Facebook or Instagram post as “false”, “altered”, “partly false” or “missing context”. This could have serious consequences. What do you do?
Click on our guide for the steps you should follow.
Publishers guideAfrica Check teams up with Facebook
Africa Check is a partner in Meta's third-party fact-checking programme to help stop the spread of false information on social media.
The content we rate as “false” will be downgraded on Facebook and Instagram. This means fewer people will see it.
You can also help identify false information on Facebook. This guide explains how.
Add new comment