To apply for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in South Africa, you must register on the government’s unemployment database. There is no single national application form; instead, registration and recruitment are managed at the local municipal or provincial level.
1. How to Register
There are three main ways to get your name on the database:
- USSD Registration (Fastest): Dial
*120*5757#on your mobile phone. This service allows you to enter personal details, choose a location, and select a preferred sector (e.g., construction, cleaning, or social services). - Online Registration: You can register as a job seeker on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) portal. Some cities, like Cape Town, also have their own EPWP registration portals.
- Manual/In-Person: Visit your local Municipality Office, Customer Care Centre, or Department of Public Works to fill out a physical registration form.
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2. Requirements & Documents
To be eligible, you generally need to be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 60 and currently unemployed.
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When applying or visiting an office, bring the following:
- A certified copy of your Identity Document (ID).
- Proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill or letter from a ward councillor).
- A brief CV (2 pages is usually sufficient).
- Certified copies of any qualifications (e.g., Matric certificate).
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3. Important Things to Know
- Nature of Work: EPWP jobs are temporary (ranging from a few days to 12 months) and are meant to provide skills and a stipend while you look for permanent work.
- Selection: Once registered, you are placed in a “pool.” You will be contacted via SMS or phone if a project in your area matches your profile.
- Stipend: As of 2026, the minimum wage for EPWP workers is approximately R16,62 per hour, though this varies by project and sector.
Which city or municipality are you currently living in so I can find the nearest office for you to visit?
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