Across South Africa, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a lifeline — empowering communities through access to income, training, and dignity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rugged landscapes of the Eastern Cape, where Umzimvubu Local Municipality has leveraged the EPWP to transform lives on the ground.
What is the EPWP?
Launched in the early 2000s and entering its third phase in November 2013 with an ambitious target of six million work opportunities, the EPWP is a central pillar of South Africa’s social and economic transformation agenda Coordinated across three key sectors — infrastructure, social, and environmental — the programme provides temporary work while transferring skills and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Economic & Social Returns
The value of the programme extends far beyond wages:
- Immediate Relief: A monthly stipend eases financial hardship for participating households.
- Skill Development: EPWP integrates training — from basic ABET education to in-service upskilling — enhancing employability
- Community Resilience: Infrastructure is improved; public spaces are cleaner; and local morale rises.
- Greener Spaces: Environmental stewardship, such as horticultural maintenance and waste collection, enhances ecological sustainability.
- Youth & Unemployment Relief: By focusing on local residents aged 18 and over, EPWP addresses the demographic most affected by joblessness.
These outcomes mirror national intentions — decent work and sustainable livelihoods — as EPWP forms a core part of South Africa’s social policy.
POSITIONS: EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP)
DURATION: 24 MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT
| POST | STIPEND | REQUIREMENTS |
| EPWP: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12, Environmental Education and Training course, certified ID copy, one year working experience as an Environmental Educator, physical able and fit, have good interpersonal skills, Proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: ENATIS CLERK X 2 | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12, N6 in Finance/ Accounting or equivalent qualification, Be Computer Literate, Cert币ed ID copy, have good interpersonal skills, proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: LANDFILL SITE TLB/ DOZER OPERATOR | R5 219 PER MONTH | Grade 12, Driving license (Code C1), certified ID copy, Machinery Operator Certificate (Dozer, TLB, Excavator), 2 years work experience as a landfill site operator, be fit to work and be able to work under pressure Proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: PIT ASSISTANT | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12, Driving license (Code 10 or 14), certified ID copy, Communication skills, must be physically fit, Proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: HIV/AIDS COORDINATOR | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12, HIV/AIDS background, certified ID copy, Communication skills, Computer literate, Coordinating skills, proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: BREAKDOWN DRIVER | R5 219 PER MONTH | Grade 12, Driving license (Code C1) with PrDP, certified ID copy, communication skills, computer literate, customer service skills, proof of residence from Ward Councilor |
| EPWP: ADMIN ASSISTANT IN THE OFFICE OF THE HEAD LAW ENFORCEMENT | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12 or equivalent, certified ID copy, computer skills, communication skills, organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy, proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: BUDGET AND TREASURY TRAINEE | R3 388 PER MONTH | Grade 12, certified ID copy, N6 in Finance or Supply Chain management and or equivalent, proof of residence from Ward Councilor. |
| EPWP: CLEANER OF MUNICIPAL OFFICES X 3 | R2 786 PER MONTH | Certified ID copy, proof of residence from Ward Councilor and be a citizen of Umzimvubu |
| EPWP: ARTISAN ELECTRICIAN | R5 219 PER MONTH | N6/Certificate in Electrical engineering, Certified I.D. copy, Proof of residence from Ward Councilor, Physical able and fit, Communication skills. |
Applications:
All applications with Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of educational certificates, and proof of residence together with a covering application letter should be forwarded to:
The Citizen and Community Services Department, Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Private Bag x 9020, KwaBhaca, 5090 or hand delivered at Dabula Street Sophia (New Municipal Offices), KwaBhaca, 5090 or 67 Church Street, EmaXesibeni, 4735.
DOWNLOAD THE UMZIMVUBU MUNICIPALITY EPWP FOR 2025 HERE
The Way Forward
Umzimvubu’s EPWP shines as a community-centred model: one that offers short-term relief, builds local capacity, and fosters environmental care — all while contributing to national developmental goals. If the programme continues to refine and expand, the potential for sustainable impact is immense: from cleaner streets to empowered youth, from returning dignity to fostering hope. That’s a legacy worth nurturing.
Enquiries: Abongile Mbuqe (039) 255 8500/8611
CLOSING DATE: 23 JULY 2025
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