The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of the biggest government job creation programmes in South Africa. Every year, thousands of unemployed youth receive short-term work opportunities in municipalities, public works departments and community development projects.
If you are looking for General Worker Jobs, Street Cleaning, Parks & Recreation, Waste Collection, Community Safety, or Public Works contracts, this guide will help you:
- Understand how EPWP works
- Find municipal EPWP jobs in your province
- Learn the requirements
- Know how stipends work
- Apply correctly and on time
This article is updated continuously to help unemployed youth access verified municipal opportunities.
Also Check: All Government Jobs requiring Grade 12 Only and General Worker Jobs.
What is EPWP?
EPWP stands for Expanded Public Works Programme — a national initiative designed to reduce unemployment by creating temporary, labour-intensive jobs.
EPWP jobs include:
- Cleaning streets
- Waste collection
- Parks maintenance
- Cemetery caretaking
- Office administration
- Traffic & community safety assistants
- Construction helper roles
- Community development projects
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EPWP offers:
- Monthly stipends
- Skills training
- Work experience
- Pathways to permanent employment
Who Qualifies for EPWP Jobs? (2026 Requirements)
- Must be unemployed
- Must be South African
- Age: 18–35 (youth priority)
- Grade 8–12 depending on the role
- Must live within the municipal area
- No previous EPWP participation (some municipalities allow 1–2 cycles)
- Proof of residence often required
Also Check: How to Write a Winning Application Letter for a General Worker Job
EPWP Stipend (2025 Rates)
EPWP workers are paid a minimum daily rate, which varies by municipality.
Typical stipend range:
R2 500 – R3 500 per month
Some technical projects (construction, safety, admin) offer slightly higher rates.
Also Check: How to Master EPWP Job Application
Types of EPWP Jobs Available (2026)
- Waste Collection & Street Cleaning
- Sweeping streets
- Collecting refuse
- Cleaning stormwater drains
- Parks & Recreation Workers
- Grass cutting
- Gardening
- Cemetery maintenance
- Office Administration Assistants
- Filing
- Customer service
- Data capturing
- Traffic & Public Safety Assistants
- Assisting traffic officers
- Crowd control
- Queue management
- Infrastructure & Construction Assistants
- Basic labour
- Maintenance support
- Painting, plumbing assistance
- Community Development Assistants
- Assisting youth programmes
- Social services support
- Door-to-door campaigns
EPWP roles vary by municipality but most follow these categories.
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EPWP Jobs By Province (Complete List of Municipal Opportunities)
GAUTENG EPWP & MUNICIPAL JOBS
City of Johannesburg EPWP Vacancies
Common positions:
- Street Cleaners
- Waste Collection Assistants
- Cemetery Workers
- General Workers
Browse for City of Joburg EPWP Jobs here
City of Tshwane EPWP Opportunities
Common positions:
- Parks & Recreation
- Water & Sanitation helpers
- Admin Assistants
Ekurhuleni Municipality EPWP Jobs
- Waste Management
- Roads & Stormwater
- Clinic Assistants
KWAZULU-NATAL EPWP & MUNICIPAL JOBS
eThekwini (Durban) EPWP Jobs
- Beach cleaning
- Lifeguard trainees
- Parks maintenance
- Community safety
Ugu, iLembe & uMgungundlovu Districts
- Waste collection
- General workers
- Community health assistants
WESTERN CAPE EPWP & MUNICIPAL JOBS
City of Cape Town EPWP Opportunities
- Expanded Waste Management jobs
- Law Enforcement Auxiliary trainees
- Public cleaning teams
Drakenstein, George, Knysna Municipalities
- Parks worker
- Paint & maintenance teams
- Admin clerks
EASTERN CAPE EPWP & MUNICIPAL JOBS
Buffalo City & Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalities
- EPWP general workers
- Admin assistants
- Traffic interns
FREE STATE EPWP OPPORTUNITIES
Mangaung Metro & Fezile Dabi District
- Waste removal
- Cemetery workers
- Public works labourers
LIMPOPO EPWP JOBS
Capricorn, Vhembe & Sekhukhune Municipalities
- Environmental workers
- Cleaning teams
- Safety assistants
MPUMALANGA EPWP JOBS
City of Mbombela & Gert Sibande District
- Road maintenance
- Waste removal
- General workers
NORTH WEST EPWP OPPORTUNITIES
Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Matlosana Municipalities
- EPWP municipal labour
- Parks assistants
NORTHERN CAPE EPWP JOBS
Sol Plaatje Municipality & Districts
- Waste & cleaning
- Cemetery cleaners
- Office assistance
How to Apply for EPWP Jobs (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- ID copy
- Proof of residence
- CV (Simple Format – Use Edupstairs CV Builder)
- Any short training certificates
Step 2: Apply at Your Local Municipality
EPWP jobs are not online in most areas.
You must apply at:
- Local municipal office
- Ward councillor
- Youth office
- Community hall
Many municipalities release official adverts on their websites or Facebook pages.
Step 3: Keep Your Phone Active
EPWP placements are often made by phone calls.
Step 4: Don’t Pay Anyone
EPWP opportunities are 100% free.
Anyone asking for money is a scam.
Don’t have a CV? Create a Professional CV Effortlessly with Edupstairs Simple CV Builder
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early when adverts open
- Keep documents certified and ready
- Use a neat, simple CV (1 page)
- Build good relationship with your ward councillor
- Follow municipal Facebook pages
- Check Edupstairs daily for verified posts
Browse for EPWP Opportunities here
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does EPWP stand for?
Expanded Public Works Programme.
- Can I apply for EPWP without matric?
Yes. Some roles require Grade 8–10; others require Grade 12.
- How much does EPWP pay?
Stipends range from R2 500 to R3 500 per month.
- Where can I apply for EPWP?
At your local municipality, ward office, or community hall.
- Can I work for EPWP again?
Some municipalities allow one cycle; others allow 2–3.
Our Conclusion
EPWP programmes play a major role in fighting unemployment and building community services across South Africa. Whether you’re looking for work experience, a short-term job or a pathway into permanent municipal employment, EPWP positions are a great starting point.
Visit Edupstairs daily for verified EPWP job posts, municipal vacancies and official public works adverts.
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with the EPWP or any municipality. We do not recruit or accept applications. We publish official job information to help the public access opportunities safely.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
