The City of Johannesburg Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of the most important employment initiatives in South Africa. Designed to create temporary work opportunities for unemployed youth, women, and community members, the programme helps reduce poverty while equipping participants with valuable skills and workplace experience. For thousands of Johannesburg residents, the EPWP is a stepping stone to long-term jobs, skills development, and improved livelihoods.
Whether you are applying for the first time or simply want to understand how the programme works, this article provides a complete, easy-to-read, and AdSense-friendly guide on the City of Johannesburg EPWP, including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and what the various work opportunities involve.
What Is the EPWP?
The Expanded Public Works Programme is a national initiative driven by the South African government. Its goal is to provide work opportunities to unemployed individuals through labor-intensive projects such as:
- Infrastructure development
- Environmental and waste management
- Community and social services
- Skills development and training
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) implements its own version of the EPWP, focusing on projects that uplift communities, improve service delivery, and create work for residents across all seven regional clusters.
Purpose of the City of Johannesburg EPWP
The City of Johannesburg EPWP is designed to:
- Create income opportunities for unemployed residents
- Offer practical work experience and on-the-job training
- Improve service delivery within communities
- Provide skills development through accredited and non-accredited training
- Support youth, women, and people with disabilities
- Help job seekers improve their employability for future roles
The programme not only provides temporary income but also helps participants gain employable skills that can open doors to permanent job opportunities.
Who Can Apply for the CoJ EPWP?
To qualify for the City of Johannesburg EPWP, applicants must meet the basic requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must live within the City of Johannesburg’s municipal boundaries
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a valid South African ID
- Must meet job-specific requirements for the particular EPWP opportunity
Some opportunities may require basic reading and writing skills, while others require physical ability to perform labor-intensive tasks.
Typical EPWP Opportunities in Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg offers a wide range of temporary jobs under the EPWP. Opportunities vary from project to project but generally include:
1. Cleaning and Waste Management
- Street cleaning
- Litter-picking
- Waste sorting
- Recycling projects
- Illegal dumping removal
2. Infrastructure & Construction Support
- Road maintenance assistants
- Paving support
- Stormwater drainage helpers
- Basic construction laborers
3. Parks & Environmental Programme
- Landscaping assistants
- Tree planting and maintenance
- Grass cutting
- Park maintenance
4. Safety & Community Support
- Community ambassadors
- School safety patrollers
- Ward-based support teams
5. Social and Community Programmes
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) assistants
- Home-based care workers
- Youth development assistants
- Tourism support teams
6. Administrative Support
- Data capturers
- Office assistants
- Enumerator roles for surveys
- Call centre trainees
The type of job you get depends on the project you apply for and your skills or physical ability.
How Long Does EPWP Employment Last?
EPWP work opportunities are temporary. Depending on the project, contracts usually last:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
Some positions, especially training-focused ones, may last for shorter or longer periods depending on funding and project goals.
Benefits of the City of Johannesburg EPWP
Although EPWP jobs are temporary, they come with several important benefits:
1. Monthly Stipend
R7000 STIPEND
2. Skills Development
Workers receive training, which may include:
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Waste management
- Basic first aid
- Administrative skills
- Construction skills
- Landscaping
- Customer service
Some training programmes are accredited, which helps participants secure long-term employment in related fields.
How to Apply for the City of Johannesburg EPWP
The City of Johannesburg EPWP does not use one single method of application. Instead, applications are opened per project. Below are the common ways to apply:
1. Visit Your Local Regional Office
Applicants must have:
- Certified ID copy
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV
2. Through COJ Recruitment Drives
The City often posts EPWP opportunities for:
- General workers
- Waste pickers
- Patrollers
- Environmental workers
These may be advertised on:
- The City of Johannesburg website
- Official social media pages
- Local community noticeboards
3. Via Registered Databases
Some departments recruit from an existing EPWP database. Residents can register their details so that when opportunities arise, they may be selected based on:
- Age
- Vulnerability
- Locality
- Employment status
4. Recruitment Through Ward Councillors
Ward councillors play a central role in identifying unemployed residents for EPWP opportunities. They maintain lists and help ensure fairness in the allocation of temporary jobs.
Documents You Must Have When Applying
To apply successfully, ensure you have:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Proof of address (municipal bill, affidavit, or letter from councillor)
- Updated CV
- Qualifications (if required for certain roles)
Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so preparation is important.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
Here are practical tips that can help applicants stand out:
- Keep your CV simple, clear, and updated
- Register at your local ward councillor’s office
- Attend public meetings where recruitment notices are shared
- Apply for roles that match your skill level
- Keep certified copies of your documents ready
- Follow official channels only—avoid scams
Final Thoughts
The City of Johannesburg EPWP continues to be a vital safety net for unemployed residents. It not only provides temporary income but also empowers individuals with skills, training, and meaningful work experience. If you are unemployed and reside within Johannesburg, this programme can be an excellent opportunity to improve your career prospects and contribute to your community at the same time.
If you want a customized EPWP post—such as 2025 intake, new vacancies, application form, or latest recruitment notices—just tell me and I’ll create it!