A legal expert has reminded those looking to work in South Africa of the legal consequences of lying on their CVs, which range from workplace disciplinary action to criminal charges.
In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act into law.
The laws allow for the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to establish and maintain separate registers for professional designations, misrepresented qualifications and fraudulent qualifications.
In addition to these new registers—which will effectively ‘name and shame’ individuals found to hold fraudulent qualifications—the act also introduces harsh consequences for those caught lying about their achievements.
According to the law, those found to have falsely or fraudulently claimed to possess a qualification or part-qualification could be fined or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years, or both.
Following this, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Further Amendment Bill was introduced last year, with the public consultation completed at the end of September 2025.
The Bill provides for the formulation of criteria for evaluating foreign employees and qualifications, including online education programs that meet specific requirements.
A provision was made for the referral of qualifications to SAQA for verification or evaluation, and for the referral of fraudulent qualifications to the relevant professional body.
Commenting on the amendments, in an interview with CapeTalk, labour law attorney Paula Phukuje warned that many job seekers underestimate the risks when trying to make themselves appear more competitive in a tough labour market.
Phukuje explained that even mild exaggeration can backfire. She said while candidates may be tempted to “polish up” their experience, it can become a problem once they are in the role.
If an employee cannot deliver on what was claimed, employers may treat it as a competence issue, triggering probation reviews or poor performance processes.
However, the more serious concern is outright dishonesty. According to Phukuje, one of the most common forms of CV fraud involves falsified qualifications.
Employers must strengthen verification processes
Candidates frequently claim degrees or diplomas they do not have, and in some cases even create fake certificates.
She highlighted how dangerous this can be in certain professions. For example, unqualified individuals working as teachers, lecturers, or even legal practitioners pose serious risks.
“Someone who’s supposed to have the necessary qualification, and they don’t, that can be dire prejudice,” she said, and added that such cases are increasingly being uncovered.
The issue is particularly severe in roles that require a high level of trust and competence, such as financial management.
“Where someone is put in a position of trust, such as dealing with finances, it’s necessary for us to escalate to even criminal offences,” she explained.
In these cases, regulatory bodies may also become involved to prevent further harm. Phukuje stressed that CV fraud is not just a workplace issue but a criminal one.
Phukuje also advised employers not to wait for damage to occur before taking action. Even if an employee performs well, dishonesty alone can justify dismissal.
Apart from the legal and professional risks, Phukuje also pointed to the real-world dangers of CV fraud in critical professions.
“You can’t trust someone if they’ve lied about something so material,” she said, and warned that in roles involving safety or care, the consequences can be severe.
To mitigate these risks, she advised employers to strengthen their verification processes. This includes obtaining consent from candidates to conduct background checks.
“If the individual is really hesitant, that is already a red flag,” she said. While such checks may come at a cost, they are far cheaper than dealing with the fallout of a fraudulent hire.
