Young people and unemployed residents living in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality now have another opportunity to gain work experience and earn a monthly stipend through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality has officially advertised EPWP Integrated Grant and In-house Project opportunities across several local municipalities, including King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo, Nyandeni, Port St Johns, Ngquza Hill and Myezo.
This programme is especially important for unemployed youth and community members who are struggling to enter the formal job market. Many EPWP programmes provide practical work exposure, community service experience and income support for people with limited work experience or qualifications.
The programme will run for 12 months from 01 July 2026 until 30 June 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 26 May 2026.
Quick Overview
Organisation: O.R. Tambo District Municipality
Programme: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
Programme Duration: 12 Months
Start Date: 01 July 2026
End Date: 30 June 2027
Closing Date: 26 May 2026
Location: O.R. Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape
Stipend: R3 500 – R5 700 per month
Minimum Qualification: Grade 8 or Grade 12 depending on the position
Application Method: Online through the municipal e-Recruitment system
What is the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)?
Expanded Public Works Programme is a government initiative designed to reduce unemployment and poverty by creating temporary work opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
EPWP projects are usually focused on:
- Community development
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Environmental projects
- Social services
- Public sector support services
Participants receive a stipend while gaining practical experience that may help them secure future employment or training opportunities.
For many young South Africans, EPWP programmes become an important stepping stone into the labour market.
Available EPWP Opportunities
The municipality has advertised several projects across different departments.
IG/Water Maintenance Monitors
Department: Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation
Sector: Infrastructure
Qualification Required: Grade 8
Monthly Stipend: R3 500
Available placements:
- King Sabata Dalindyebo LM: 10
- Mhlontlo LM: 10
- Port St Johns LM: 10
- Nyandeni LM: 10
- Ngquza Hill LM: 10
Barefoot Plumbers
Department: Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation
Sector: Infrastructure
Qualification Required: Grade 8
Monthly Stipend: R3 500
Available placements:
- King Sabata Dalindyebo LM: 27
- Mhlontlo LM: 06
- Port St Johns LM: 05
- Nyandeni LM: 06
- Ngquza Hill LM: 06
Greening and Landscaping
Department: Community Services
Sector: EAC
Qualification Required: Grade 8
Monthly Stipend: R3 500
Available placements:
- Myezo: 50
Administration Assistant
Department: Corporate Services
Sector: Social
Qualification Required: Grade 12
Monthly Stipend: R5 700
Available placements:
- Myezo: 10
Office Cleaners
Department: Corporate Services
Sector: Social
Qualification Required: Grade 8
Monthly Stipend: R3 500
Available placements:
- Mthatha: 10
Programme Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must strictly reside within the O.R. Tambo District Municipality
- Must live in the specific area where the project will be implemented
- Applicants must provide proof of residence and indigence
- Must be under the age of 45
- Must be unemployed
- Women and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Preference will be given to applicants who have never participated in the programme before
The municipality also stated that preference may be given to males for grass-cutting-related work.
Important Documents Required
Applicants are required to upload the following documents:
- Certified copy of qualifications
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Brief covering letter stating the position being applied for
- Confirmation letter from the Ward Councillor confirming residency and indigence
The municipality warned that failure to upload all required documents may result in disqualification.
Applicants must also ensure that:
- The CV is uploaded separately in PDF or Word format
- Supporting documents must be uploaded in the correct sections of the application system
- Applicants should not combine all documents into one CV upload
General Performance Areas
Successful applicants may be expected to perform duties such as:
- Executing lawful instructions from supervisors
- Identifying and reporting water leaks
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
- Grass cutting and cleaning
- Office cleaning duties
- Supporting water and sanitation projects
- Assisting with community service activities
These responsibilities may vary depending on the project placement.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the O.R. Tambo District Municipality e-Recruitment system.
Official municipal websites: O.R. Tambo District Municipality Recruitment Portal
Applicants should complete the online application before the system closes.
The municipality stated that the e-Recruitment system closes at 23:59 on the closing date.
Important Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 26 May 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Tips Before You Apply
Before submitting your application, make sure that:
- Your CV is updated
- Your contact details are correct
- Your documents are clearly certified
- Your Ward Councillor confirmation letter is available
- You apply for the correct project and municipality
- Your documents are easy to read and properly scanned
Poor document uploads are one of the main reasons applicants get disqualified from online government recruitment systems.
Edupstairs Advice
If you are interested in government opportunities, do not wait until the last day to apply. Municipal systems often become slow or overloaded near closing dates.
You should also:
- Keep digital copies of all your documents ready
- Create a professional CV even for entry-level work
- Apply for multiple opportunities where eligible
- Regularly monitor municipality and government recruitment portals
- Avoid paying anyone for job applications
Remember that legitimate government recruitment processes do not require payment from applicants.
EPWP opportunities may be temporary, but they can open doors to future employment, training opportunities and valuable work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply for these EPWP opportunities?
Unemployed residents living within the O.R. Tambo District Municipality who meet the age and qualification requirements can apply.
- What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be under the age of 45.
- Do I need work experience?
No. These opportunities are mainly designed for unemployed individuals and entry-level applicants.
- Can Grade 8 applicants apply?
Yes. Several positions only require Grade 8.
- Which position requires Grade 12?
The Administration Assistant position requires Grade 12.
- What stipend will participants receive?
Participants may receive between R3 500 and R5 700 depending on the position.
- How long is the programme?
The programme will run for 12 months from July 2026 until June 2027.
- Can I apply if I participated in EPWP before?
Yes, but preference may be given to applicants who have never participated before.
- How do I prove residency?
Applicants must provide a confirmation letter from their Ward Councillor confirming residency and indigence.
- What happens if I submit incomplete documents?
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify all details and submit applications through the official O.R. Tambo District Municipality recruitment portal. Edupstairs is not affiliated with the municipality or the recruitment process.
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