The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development has officially opened applications for various Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities for the 2026/2027 financial year. These opportunities are aimed at unemployed youth, women, caregivers, and community members across the Eastern Cape Province who are looking for income support, work exposure, and community development experience.
For many young South Africans, EPWP opportunities are often one of the first stepping stones into the world of work. They provide practical experience, a monthly stipend, and exposure to public service projects that can strengthen future job applications.
The Department is currently recruiting participants for several EPWP-funded projects that will run until the end of March 2027.
If you are unemployed and looking for an opportunity to gain experience while serving your community, this opportunity may be worth considering.
Quick Overview
Organisation: Eastern Cape Department of Social Development
Programme: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) 2026/2027
Location: Eastern Cape Province
Closing Date: 21 May 2026
Contract Duration: Until end of March 2027
Application Method: Hand delivery or post
Monthly Stipend: Between R3,082 and R5,500 depending on project
Available EPWP Projects
- EPWP Change Agents
- EPWP Youth Brigades
- Women in Advocacy
- VEP Fieldworkers
- Household Profiling Assistants
- Data Collector Assistants
- Older Persons Caregivers
EPWP Projects, Requirements and Stipends
EPWP Change Agents
Requirements
- Unemployed youth
- Grade 12 minimum qualification
Monthly Stipend
- R3,082 per month
Districts
- Alfred Nzo
- Amathole
- BCM
- Chris Hani
- Joe Gqabi
- NMM
- Sarah Baartman
- OR Tambo
EPWP Youth Brigades
Requirements
- Unemployed youth
- Grade 12 minimum qualification
Monthly Stipend
- R3,082 per month
Districts
- Alfred Nzo
- Amathole
- BCM
- Chris Hani
- Joe Gqabi
- NMM
- Sarah Baartman
- OR Tambo
Women in Advocacy
Requirements
- Unemployed women aged 18–45 years
- Grade 10 minimum qualification
- Applicants must be mothers of children under 5 years diagnosed by the Department of Health as being affected by malnutrition
Monthly Stipend
- R3,082 per month
Districts
- Alfred Nzo
- Amathole
- BCM
- Chris Hani
- Joe Gqabi
- NMM
- Sarah Baartman
- OR Tambo
VEP Fieldworkers
Requirements
- Unemployed youth
- Grade 12 minimum qualification
- Experience in the VEP sector will be an added advantage
Monthly Stipend
- R3,082 per month
Districts
- Alfred Nzo
- Amathole
- BCM
- Chris Hani
- Joe Gqabi
- NMM
- Sarah Baartman
- OR Tambo
Household Profiling Assistants
Requirements
- Unemployed youth
- Grade 12 qualification
- Social Science or relevant diploma
- Computer literacy
Monthly Stipend
- R5,500 per month
Districts
- Alfred Nzo
- Amathole
- BCM
- Chris Hani
- Joe Gqabi
- NMM
- Sarah Baartman
- OR Tambo
Data Collector Assistants
Requirements
- Unemployed applicants
- Grade 12 qualification
- Computer literacy
- Experience as a Data Capturer will be an added advantage
Monthly Stipend
- R5,500 per month
Districts
- Provincial Office
Older Persons Caregivers
Requirements
- Unemployed applicants
- Grade 10 or equivalent minimum qualification
- Must have knowledge of caregiving concepts under a registered Home-Based Care Facility
Monthly Stipend
- R3,082 per month
Districts
- Sarah Baartman
- Chris Hani
- BCM
Documents Required for Applications
All applicants are required to submit the following:
- Fully completed Z83 application form
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of ID document
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter
- Recent certification stamp from April 2026 onwards
Applicants must clearly indicate the project they are applying for on the application form and motivation letter.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Many applicants lose opportunities because of small mistakes. Before submitting your application, make sure:
- Your Z83 form is signed
- Your contact details are correct
- Your certified copies are clear and recent
- You indicate the correct project name
- You apply to the correct district office
- Your motivation letter explains why you are suitable
The Department also encourages applicants to apply at the office closest to their residential area.
Full Application Addresses
Provincial Office
Albertina Sisulu Building
No 7 Beatrice Street
Qonce
For attention: Mr Y Singqandu
Postal Address:
Director HRA: Social Development
PO Box 0039
Bisho
5605
Enquiries:
- Mr Y Singqandu: (043) 605 5042
- Ms Q Blayi: (043) 605 5048
Alfred Nzo District
181 Bride Street
Counselling Centre
Mount Ayliff
4735
For attention: Mr S Shweni
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X401
Mount Ayliff
4735
Enquiries:
- Mr S Shweni: (064) 606 9465
Amathole District
ABSA Building
85 Oxford Street
East London
For attention: Ms N Dinwa
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X 9066
East London
5201
Enquiries:
- Ms N Dinwa: (043) 711 6626
Buffalo City Metro
1 Smithfield Road
Cambridge
East London
For attention: Ms P Kula
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X 9066
East London
5201
Enquiries:
- Ms P Kula: (043) 705 5673 / (043) 726 7284
Chris Hani District
6 Ebden Street
Komani
5320
For attention: Ms N Mzinjana
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X 7191
Komani
5320
Enquiries:
- Ms N Mzinjana: (045) 808 3709
Joe Gqabi District
Themba Kojana Building
NG Road Street
Aliwal North
9750
For attention: Ms P Tsuputse
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X 1002
Aliwal North
9750
Enquiries:
- Ms P Tsuputse: (051) 633 9715
Sarah Baartman District
Old SABC Building
Corner African & Hill Street
Makhanda
6139
For attention: Mr M Rwexana
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X1008
Makhanda
6140
Enquiries:
- Mr M Rwexana: 046 602 1408/1407
OR Tambo District
Erf 42 Tsolo Counselling Centre
Tsolo
5170
For attention: Ms S Ndiki
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X6000
Mthatha
5099
Enquiries:
- Ms S Ndiki: (072) 984 3438
Nelson Mandela Metro
Ibhayi Office Complex
Struanway
Struandale
Port Elizabeth
6001
For attention: Ms L Lukwe
Postal Address:
The District Director
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X3906
North End
6056
Enquiries:
- Ms L Lukwe: (041) 406 5811
Edupstairs Advice
Do not wait until the closing date to submit your application. Government opportunities often receive thousands of applications, and last-minute submissions can lead to mistakes or missed deadlines.
Before submitting:
- Make extra certified copies of your documents
- Keep proof of postage or delivery
- Save a digital copy of your CV
- Prepare for possible interviews or screening calls
If you do not qualify for one project, consider applying for another project that matches your qualifications and experience.
You should also continue checking for:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Government entry-level jobs
- EPWP opportunities
- YES Programme opportunities
- Youth Brigades
- Community Work Programmes
You can also explore more opportunities on Edupstairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the closing date?
The closing date for submissions is 21 May 2026.
How much is the stipend?
The stipend ranges from:
- R3,082 per month
- R5,500 per month
depending on the project.
Can I apply without Grade 12?
Yes, some projects accept Grade 10 minimum qualifications, such as:
- Women in Advocacy
- Older Persons Caregivers
Can I email my application?
The notice mainly provides physical and postal submission details. Applicants should follow the instructions provided in the notice.
Is this a permanent job?
No. These are EPWP contract opportunities running until the end of March 2027.
What is a Z83 form?
The Z83 form is the official government job application form used for public sector opportunities in South Africa.
Can applicants from outside Eastern Cape apply?
The projects are targeted at Eastern Cape districts, and preference may be given to applicants residing near the project locations.
CLOSING DATE: 21 MAY 2026
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development. Always verify details on official government notices and application channels before submitting your application.
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