Worker Who Lied on CV Must Pay R2.9 Million
News Summary
A former chief information officer was told to pay nearly R2.9 million after she lied about her past jobs and worked two jobs at the same time. The labour court found that she was hired because of false information.
Originally reported by Sowetan.
Why It Matters
This case is a big warning for any job seeker. It shows that what you put on your CV must be true. It also shows that how you left a past job matters. If you hide the truth, you can lose the job and face a large court bill.
What Happened
Sibongiseni Thotsejane was the chief information officer at the V&A Waterfront. At the same time, she still worked at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Neither employer knew about the other job. She also said she left some old jobs for good reasons, but the court found she was actually fired from some of them. She even used a work laptop for other business and personal work.
Why It Matters for Your Job Search
Companies can check your work history. They may call your old bosses, check court records, and look at your past jobs. If they find a lie, they can take back the job offer or fire you. They can also ask you to pay money for the harm caused. Being honest may feel hard, but it protects your career.
- Tell the truth about your job titles and dates.
- Do not say you resigned if you were fired.
- Do not work two full-time jobs without permission.
- Keep your CV and interviews simple and truthful.
- If you have a problem in your past, explain it briefly and show what you learned.
Skills In Demand
From Live Job DatabaseCareer Tip
"Always be honest on your CV and in interviews. If you were fired, do not say you resigned. Say you left, and explain what you learned. If you need more money, look for one better job or ask your boss about extra hours instead of secretly working two full-time jobs."
