EPWP Jobs: How to Apply for the Expanded Public Works Programme
The EPWP gives short-term work to unemployed people on public projects, such as cleaning, road maintenance, community safety, early childhood development and home-based care. Most EPWP jobs last a few months and pay a set daily or hourly rate.
EPWP at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who runs it? | The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure coordinates it. Municipalities, provinces and other public bodies run the projects |
| Who can apply? | Unemployed South Africans, usually from 18 years old. Projects often prioritise youth, women and people with disabilities |
| How do you apply? | Register on your local municipality’s jobseeker or EPWP database, or respond to an official project advert |
| How much does it pay? | At least R16.62 an hour from 1 March 2026 |
| Is there a fee? | No. Applications and forms are free |
How EPWP Recruitment Works
EPWP is not one big job advert. Each project, for example cleaning a township, fixing roads or helping at a clinic, recruits workers from the community where the work is done. Many municipalities keep a database of unemployed residents and select workers from it, sometimes randomly, to make the process fair.
This means:
- you apply through your own municipality or the public body running a project in your area,
- living in the ward or community where the project takes place often matters, and
- being on the database does not guarantee work, because places are limited.
How to Apply for EPWP Jobs
- Visit your municipality. Go to your local municipal office, sub-council or regional customer care office and ask to register on the EPWP or jobseeker database.
- Take your documents. Usually a certified copy of your ID and proof of residence. Some municipalities also ask for a CV.
- Complete the registration form. Forms are issued for free.
- Keep your details up to date. If your cellphone number changes, update it, or the municipality cannot contact you.
- Watch for official adverts. Municipalities and departments also advertise specific EPWP projects on their websites, notice boards and official social media.
- Ask your ward councillor or community development worker about projects planned in your ward.
Requirements differ between municipalities. For example, the City of Cape Town selects EPWP workers from its jobseeker database at sub-council offices, while the City of Tshwane has asked applicants aged 18 to 60 to bring a certified ID and proof of residence.
Documents You Usually Need
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Proof of residence in the area, such as a municipal letter, ward councillor letter or utility bill
- A short CV, if the municipality asks for it
- Your cellphone number
How Much Does EPWP Pay in 2026?
From 1 March 2026, the minimum wage for EPWP workers is R16.62 an hour. The national minimum wage for most other workers is R30.23 an hour. EPWP workers have their own, lower minimum rate under the National Minimum Wage Act.
Some projects pay more than the minimum. The rate for your project should be in your contract.
For the full minimum wage rules, see our page on the national minimum wage.
Can You Get SASSA Grants or SRD While on EPWP?
EPWP work is paid income. If you receive the SRD R370 grant, an income from EPWP may affect whether you qualify, because SRD has an income test. Declare your income honestly. See our guide on SRD declined reasons for how income checks work.
Permanent grants such as the Child Support Grant have their own means tests. Use our SASSA means test calculator to check.
EPWP Scams: How to Protect Yourself
EPWP scams are common, especially on WhatsApp and Facebook. Municipalities have repeatedly warned that:
- they never charge money for EPWP jobs, interviews or application forms,
- application forms are free, so anyone selling them is a scammer,
- messages that promise EPWP jobs with high monthly stipends through an external link are fake, and
- real EPWP adverts come from the municipality or government department itself.
If someone asks you to pay, report it to the municipality and the police. In Cape Town you can report EPWP job scams to the City’s fraud hotline on 0800 323 130.
Other Ways to Find Work and Training
EPWP is only one option. Also look at:
- SA Youth registration for young work-seekers aged 18 to 34,
- traffic officer learnerships,
- TVET college applications for practical skills training, and
- the UIF guide if you recently lost a job.
EPWP Questions
Is there an EPWP online application for 2026?
There is no single national online application. You register with your municipality or apply for specific EPWP projects advertised by public bodies in your area.
How much does EPWP pay per day?
From 1 March 2026 the minimum is R16.62 an hour. For an eight-hour day that is at least about R133. Your contract shows your actual rate.
Do I have to pay to join EPWP?
No. EPWP applications and forms are free. Anyone who asks for money is running a scam.
How long do EPWP jobs last?
Most EPWP jobs are short-term and last for the length of the project, often a few months.
Who qualifies for EPWP?
Unemployed South Africans, usually 18 years or older, who live in the area where the project is run. Some projects focus on youth, women or people with disabilities.