Last updated: 13 October 2026
EPWP jobs give unemployed South Africans short-term paid work in their own communities. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government programme that creates temporary work opportunities through municipalities, provincial departments and national departments. Projects include cleaning, waste management, road maintenance, gardening, health facility support and community care.
This guide explains what EPWP is, how much EPWP workers earn in 2026, who qualifies, how to apply through your municipality or department, and how to avoid fake EPWP adverts.
What Is the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)?
The EPWP is a national government programme coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Its aim is to give unemployed people income, work experience and training through public projects. EPWP work is temporary: contracts usually last a few months, although some projects run for a year or longer.
EPWP projects fall into four main sectors:
- Infrastructure: road maintenance, building repairs, water and sanitation projects
- Environment and culture: waste management, cleaning, parks, land care and greening
- Social: home-based care, early childhood development and community health support
- Non-state: projects run with non-profit organisations and community programmes
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Examples of EPWP Opportunities in 2026
EPWP posts are advertised by individual municipalities and departments. These recent 2026 examples show what to expect (both have now closed):
| Employer | Posts | Pay | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedibeng District Municipality (Gauteng) | 85 general workers (waste management and infrastructure maintenance) | R140 per day | 8 months, about 16 days a month |
| Gauteng Department of Health (Johannesburg) | 195 posts: admin clerks, cleaners and groundskeepers | R3,500 per month | 3 months |
Similar posts open throughout the year. Each one has its own requirements, documents and closing date.
How Much Do EPWP Workers Earn in 2026?
EPWP workers have their own minimum wage. From 1 March 2026, the minimum for EPWP workers is R16.62 per hour (up from R15.16). This is lower than the general National Minimum Wage of R30.23 per hour, because EPWP is classed as a public employment programme.
In practice, many EPWP projects pay a daily rate (such as R140 per day) or a monthly stipend (such as R3,500 per month). The exact rate is always stated in the advert.
Who Qualifies for EPWP Jobs?
Requirements differ between projects, but most EPWP adverts ask for:
- South African citizenship and a valid ID
- Being unemployed
- Living in the municipality, ward or area where the project runs (proof of residence is often required)
- An age range for some projects (for example, youth projects for people aged 18 to 35)
- For some posts, Matric or a specific qualification (such as admin clerk posts); general worker posts often have no minimum education
- For some programmes, not having benefited from EPWP before, so that more people get a chance
How to Apply for EPWP Jobs (Step-by-Step)
- Check your local municipality first. Most EPWP posts are local. Look at your municipality’s website, notice boards at municipal offices and libraries, and local newspapers.
- Ask your ward councillor or ward committee. They are often told about EPWP projects in your ward and can tell you how to register.
- Check provincial and national department websites, such as provincial health, public works and roads departments, for larger EPWP intakes.
- Prepare your documents: usually a CV, certified copy of your ID, proof of residence and, where asked, your highest school or qualification certificate. Some adverts also ask for a bank confirmation letter.
- Follow the instructions in the advert exactly. Some municipalities only accept hand-delivered applications at a named office, while others accept email. Some departments require the Z83 form.
- Apply before the closing date and keep a copy or proof of submission.
Tip: Some municipalities keep a job-seeker database and select EPWP workers from it. Ask your municipality whether it has one and how to register.
EPWP Scams: Warning Signs
- EPWP never charges a fee. Nobody can sell you an EPWP post or a “spot on the list”.
- Be careful of Facebook and WhatsApp posts claiming “EPWP national recruitment” with a link to a short URL or a non-government website.
- Genuine EPWP adverts name a specific municipality or department, a project, a closing date and an official contact.
- Never send your ID or bank details to someone you met through a social media comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for EPWP jobs?
Watch your municipality’s website and notice boards, ask your ward councillor, and follow the instructions in each advert, which may require hand delivery, email or a Z83 form.
How much does EPWP pay per day in 2026?
The EPWP minimum is R16.62 per hour from 1 March 2026. Projects often pay a daily rate or monthly stipend, for example R140 per day or R3,500 per month in recent 2026 adverts.
Do I need Matric for EPWP?
Not always. General worker posts often have no minimum education, while admin posts usually require Matric.
Is EPWP permanent?
No. EPWP work is temporary, usually lasting a few months to a year, although it gives you experience and references for other jobs.
Can I apply for EPWP online?
Only if the advert says so. Many municipal EPWP posts require hand-delivered applications, so always read the advert carefully.
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Conclusion
EPWP jobs are temporary, but they put money in your pocket and give you work experience close to home. Watch your municipality’s notices, keep your documents ready, follow each advert’s instructions exactly and never pay anyone for a post. Bookmark this page for EPWP updates.