The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of South Africa’s largest government employment initiatives aimed at providing temporary work opportunities and skills development to unemployed citizens. Every year, municipalities, government departments, schools, clinics, community projects, and public entities advertise thousands of EPWP positions.
Unfortunately, many applicants are rejected before the interview stage because their CVs are incomplete, poorly structured, or fail to highlight relevant skills and experience.
The good news is that you do not need a university degree or years of experience to create a strong EPWP CV. What matters most is presenting your information professionally and clearly.
This guide will show you exactly how to write a winning EPWP CV and includes a sample CV that you can use as a template.
What is an EPWP CV?
An EPWP CV is a document that provides information about your:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience
- Skills
- Community involvement
- References
Government departments and municipalities use your CV to determine whether you meet the basic requirements for an EPWP position.
Since many EPWP positions are entry-level, employers often focus on:
- Reliability
- Willingness to learn
- Communication skills
- Physical fitness (where applicable)
- Community involvement
- Ability to work in teams
Why a Good CV is Important for EPWP Applications
Many EPWP opportunities receive hundreds or even thousands of applications.
A well-written CV can help you:
- Stand out from other applicants
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Show that you meet minimum requirements
- Increase your chances of being shortlisted
- Secure interviews faster
Remember: Your CV is often your first impression.
Documents You Should Have Before Writing Your CV
Prepare the following information:
- South African ID document
- Grade 12 certificate (if applicable)
- Academic certificates
- Short course certificates
- Driver’s licence (if applicable)
- Previous employment information
- Volunteer work experience
- Reference contact details
Having these documents ready will make writing your CV much easier.
Ideal Length of an EPWP CV
For most EPWP opportunities:
- 1 to 3 pages is ideal
- Keep information relevant
- Avoid unnecessary details
- Use simple language
A shorter, well-organised CV is often more effective than a long one.
Sections Every EPWP CV Should Include
Personal Information
Place this section at the top of your CV.
Include:
- Full names
- ID number
- Gender (optional)
- Contact number
- Alternative contact number
- Email address
- Residential address
Example:
Name: Sipho Mthembu
Cell: 071 234 5678
Email: siphomthembu@gmail.com
Address: Umlazi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Professional Profile
This is a short summary of who you are.
Example:
A hardworking and reliable South African youth seeking an opportunity within the Expanded Public Works Programme. Possesses strong communication skills, the ability to work well in teams, and a willingness to learn new skills. Committed to contributing positively to community development initiatives.
Keep this section between 3 and 5 lines.
Educational Qualifications
List your qualifications from the most recent.
Example:
Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate)
School: Umlazi Secondary School
Year Completed: 2024
Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics Literacy
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Life Orientation
Work Experience
Many EPWP applicants have little or no work experience.
If you have worked before, include:
- Employer name
- Position held
- Duration
- Duties performed
Example:
General Worker
ABC Construction
January 2025 – April 2025
Duties:
- Site cleaning
- Material loading
- Assisting artisans
- Maintaining workplace safety
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer work is highly valued in EPWP recruitment.
Examples:
- Community cleaning campaigns
- School volunteering
- Church projects
- Youth development programmes
- NGO work
Example:
Community Volunteer
Ward 89 Youth Development Project
2024
Responsibilities:
- Assisted with neighbourhood clean-up campaigns
- Distributed information pamphlets
- Supported community events
Skills Section
This section is extremely important.
Include skills such as:
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Customer service
- Physical fitness
- Basic computer literacy
- Ability to follow instructions
- Leadership skills
Example:
Key Skills
- Good communication
- Team player
- Basic computer skills
- Time management
- Reliable and punctual
- Able to work under pressure
Certificates and Training
Include any short courses completed.
Examples:
- First Aid
- Computer Literacy
- Health and Safety
- Construction Skills
- Fire Fighting
- Security Training
- Environmental Awareness
Example:
Computer Literacy Certificate
Institution: Community Learning Centre
Year: 2025
References
Always include at least two references.
Example:
Reference 1
Mr John Dlamini
Supervisor
ABC Construction
071 987 6543
Reference 2
Ms Nomusa Khumalo
Community Project Coordinator
072 456 7890
Common Mistakes That Get EPWP Applications Rejected
Avoid the following:
- Incorrect Contact Details
Many applicants lose opportunities because their phone numbers are wrong.
- Spelling Errors
Always proofread your CV.
- Leaving Out Important Information
Incomplete CVs are often rejected.
- Using Fancy Designs
Government recruiters prefer simple CVs.
- Lying About Experience
False information can result in disqualification.
- Not Updating Your CV
Ensure all information is current.
Tips to Make Your EPWP CV Stand Out
Mention Community Involvement
EPWP focuses heavily on community development.
Highlight Reliability
Employers value dependable workers.
Include Relevant Skills
Match your skills to the advertised position.
Keep Formatting Clean
Use:
- Clear headings
- Bullet points
- Consistent font size
- Professional layout
Attach Supporting Documents
Where required, include:
- Certified ID copy
- Qualifications
- Driver’s licence
- Certificates
Sample EPWP CV
CURRICULUM VITAE
PERSONAL DETAILS
Full Names: Thando Mkhize
ID Number: 0201015678087
Cell Number: 073 456 7890
Email Address: thandomkhize@gmail.com
Residential Address: KwaMashu, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
A motivated and hardworking young South African seeking an opportunity within the Expanded Public Works Programme. Possesses strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills. Committed to serving the community and willing to learn new skills.
EDUCATION
National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
KwaMashu Secondary School
Completed: 2023
WORK EXPERIENCE
General Assistant
XYZ Community Centre
January 2025 – May 2025
Responsibilities:
- Assisted with cleaning activities
- Set up community events
- Distributed educational materials
- Assisted visitors
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Community Volunteer
Ward Youth Development Project
2024
Responsibilities:
- Participated in clean-up campaigns
- Assisted elderly residents
- Supported awareness programmes
SKILLS
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Basic computer literacy
- Customer service
- Time management
- Ability to work independently
- Attention to detail
CERTIFICATES
Computer Literacy Certificate
Community Learning Centre
2024
First Aid Level 1
Red Cross Training Centre
2025
REFERENCES
Mr S. Dlamini
Supervisor
XYZ Community Centre
073 111 2222
Ms N. Khumalo
Community Project Coordinator
072 333 4444
Related Articles:
EPWP Stipends Explained: How Much You Can Earn and What You Need to Know
EPWP Requirements by Municipalities in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Job Seekers
EPWP Documents Readiness Checklist: Everything You Need Before Applying
Interview Questions and Answers for EPWP Jobs in South Africa: A Complete Guide
How to Write a Winning Motivational Letter for EPWP Job Opportunities in South Africa
EPWP Jobs in South Africa: Full List of Municipal Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Our Conclusion
EPWP opportunities provide an excellent pathway for unemployed South Africans to gain work experience, earn an income, and develop valuable skills. A professional CV can significantly improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Remember to keep your CV simple, honest, organised, and tailored to the specific EPWP position you are applying for. Highlight your willingness to work, community involvement, and transferable skills, even if you have limited work experience.
A strong CV may be the difference between being overlooked and receiving an interview invitation.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
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- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Recruitment requirements may differ between municipalities, government departments, and EPWP projects. Always refer to the official advertisement for the latest application requirements and instructions.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY