How to Apply for Public Works and EPWP Opportunities

EPWP opportunities are temporary work opportunities created through government departments, municipalities and other public bodies. The application process can differ depending on the department, municipality or EPWP project advertising the opportunity.

Job seekers should always check the official government source for the specific opportunity before submitting personal information or documents.

1. Check the Official Public Works Website

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure publishes information about its programmes, projects and employment-related opportunities through its official website.

Visit the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

2. Check the Official EPWP Website

Applicants can also check the official Expanded Public Works Programme website for information about EPWP programmes, recruitment guidelines and related opportunities.

Visit the Official EPWP Website

3. Check Government Job Advertisements

For Public Works vacancies and other government employment opportunities, applicants should regularly check the official South African Government jobs page. The government publishes the Public Service Vacancy Circular on a weekly basis, and Public Works and Infrastructure is included when it has vacancies advertised through the public service system.

Check Current Government Jobs

4. Look for EPWP Opportunities in Your Municipality

Many EPWP work opportunities are implemented at local level. This means that municipalities and other public bodies may advertise opportunities for people living in their communities.

Job seekers should therefore check their municipality’s official website, municipal notice boards and official communication channels for EPWP advertisements.

Do not assume that an EPWP opportunity advertised on Facebook or WhatsApp is genuine. Always try to verify the vacancy with the municipality or government department responsible for the project.

5. Register on SAYouth When Required

For certain youth employment opportunities under the newer Public Works Working on Infrastructure model, recruitment is being digitised through the SAYouth platform, supported by Harambee.

Eligible young people can create a profile, add their qualifications and skills and apply for opportunities advertised through the platform.

Visit SAYouth and Check Available Opportunities

6. Prepare Your Documents

Applicants should keep their documents ready before applying. Depending on the particular opportunity, you may be asked for some or all of the following:

South African identity document
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of address
Matric certificate, if required
Other educational certificates, where applicable
Proof of disability, where applicable
Other documents specifically requested in the official advertisement

Only submit documents that are requested by the official advertisement and use the application method specified by the recruiting public body.

7. Follow the Application Instructions Exactly

Do not pay anyone to secure an EPWP position. Government has warned about fraudulent EPWP recruitment advertisements circulating online. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport previously warned the public about fake EPWP adverts and advised job seekers to verify opportunities through official government channels.

If somebody asks you for money, a registration fee, a placement fee or payment in exchange for an EPWP position, verify the opportunity directly with the relevant government department or municipality before providing money or personal information.

Official Links for Job Seekers

Important Notice

EPWP opportunities are advertised by different public bodies and implementing agencies. Requirements, locations, closing dates, documents and application methods can therefore differ from one project to another.

Always check the original government advertisement before applying. Do not rely solely on forwarded WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts or unofficial job websites.