It has been brought to the attention of the National Development Agency (NDA) that there is scam artist using the name of the NDA and Department of Social Development (DSD) to take advantage of unsuspecting early childhood development (ECD) centres to make monetary deposits in hopes of receiving mobile learning classrooms sponsored by the NDA. Cases are noted in the Free State province; however, there are unrecorded incidents in other provinces including Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal. 

The NDA would like to put on record that there are no mobile learning classrooms that have been allocated nor will be distributed by a "Mr Dlamini" who claims to be a Director at the Department of Social Development. "Mr Dlamini" informs the ECD centres that based on a database provided by the NDA, he is travelling from KwaZulu Natal to deliver the classrooms - he says he requires an amount of R2000, 00 from the ECD to pay for tollgates. After receiving the money, he does not deliver.

"It is unfortunate that there is a person who would use the plight of ECD centres, who desperately need infrastructure, to his advantage. More so using the names of our organisation. The NDA supports ECDs in the country through various interventions that would be communicated through official documents. At no point will a NDA official make verbal undertakings that cannot be accounted for or documented. I plead with ECD centres to be cautious and to verify the identity of those who approach them. We will follow up with those affected by the scam and are seeking legal advice on the matter," says NDA Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Thamo Mzobe. 

The NDA will be approaching the law enforcement agencies to ensure that this person is brought to book. People who have been scammed by this person are encouraged to approach their local police stations and make contact with their nearest NDA office. 

Verifications of NDA staff can be made by calling 011 018 5500. 

Appeal is made to all ECD centres in the country to be aware of this fraudulent scam.