Need work now? The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development is accepting applications for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) 2026/2027, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the EPWP 2026/2027 offers
The Department has opened several EPWP projects for the 2026/2027 financial year. They are short‑term contracts that run until March 2027 and provide monthly stipends while you gain practical experience serving communities across the Eastern Cape.
Who can apply – eligibility
- Unemployed youth (Grade 12 or equivalent) for most roles.
- Unemployed women aged 18‑45 with a Grade 10 qualification for the Women in Advocacy role (must be mothers of children under 5 diagnosed with malnutrition).
- Unemployed applicants with at least Grade 10 for the Older Persons Caregivers role.
- Additional preferences: VEP experience for Fieldworkers, a social‑science diploma and computer literacy for Household Profiling Assistants, data‑capture experience for Data Collector Assistants.
What you gain
- Monthly stipend – R3 082 (most roles) or R5 500 (Household Profiling & Data Collector Assistants).
- Work exposure in your district or at the provincial office.
- Hands‑on skills in community development, data collection, advocacy and caregiving.
- Reference letters that can help you secure future jobs or learnerships.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Download and complete the Z83 application form (obtain it from any district office).
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copies of all qualifications (dated April 2026 or later).
- Updated CV.
- Motivation letter that explains why you fit the chosen project.
- Sign the Z83 form fully and write the exact project name (“EPWP Change Agents”, “Women in Advocacy”, etc.).
- Send the completed packet either by hand‑delivery or post to the office that matches your residential district (see addresses below).
- Keep a copy of everything for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every document is a clear, recent certified copy.
- Make sure your contact details are correct on the form.
- Tailor your motivation letter to the specific project and highlight any relevant experience.
- Submit to the district office closest to where you live – applications sent to the wrong office may be rejected.
- Arrive early if you hand‑deliver; the offices often close before 15 h.
Conclusion – take the next step
These EPWP positions are a practical way to earn an income, build a résumé and give back to your community. Gather your documents, choose the role that matches your skills, and submit your application before 21 May 2026. Good luck!
Application addresses
Provincial Office (Qonce)
Albertina Sisulu Building, No 7 Beatrice Street, Qonce
For Attention: Mr Y Singqandu
Postal: Director HRA – Social Development, PO Box 0039, Bisho 5605
Enquiries: Mr Y Singqandu (043) 605 5042, Ms Q Blayi (043) 605 5048
Alfred Nzo District (Mount Ayliff)
181 Bride Street, Counselling Centre, Mount Ayliff 4735
For Attention: Mr S Shweni
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X401, Mount Ayliff 4735
Enquiries: Mr S Shweni (064) 606 9465
Amathole District (East London)
ABSA Building, 85 Oxford Street, East London
For Attention: Ms N Dinwa
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X 9066, East London 5201
Enquiries: Ms N Dinwa (043) 711 6626
Buffalo City Metro (East London)
1 Smithfield Road, Cambridge, East London
For Attention: Ms P Kula
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X 9066, East London 5201
Enquiries: Ms P Kula (043) 705 5673 / (043) 726 7284
Chris Hani District (Komani)
6 Ebden Street, Komani 5320
For Attention: Ms N Mzinjana
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X 7191, Komani 5320
Enquiries: Ms N Mzinjana (045) 808 3709
Joe Gqabi District (Aliwal North)
Themba Kojana Building, NG Road Street, Aliwal North 9750
For Attention: Ms P Tsuputse
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X 1002, Aliwal North 9750
Enquiries: Ms P Tsuputse (051) 633 9715
Sarah Baartman District (Makhanda)
Old SABC Building, Corner African & Hill Street, Makhanda 6139
For Attention: Mr M Rwexana
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X1008, Makhanda 6140
Enquiries: Mr M Rwexana (046) 602 1408 / 1407
OR Tambo District (Tsolo)
Erf 42 Tsolo Counselling Centre, Tsolo 5170
For Attention: Ms S Ndiki
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X6000, Mthatha 5099
Enquiries: Ms S Ndiki (072) 984 3438
Nelson Mandela Metro (Port Elizabeth)
Ibhayi Office Complex, Struanway, Struandale, Port Elizabeth 6001
For Attention: Ms L Lukwe
Postal: The District Director, Dept of Social Development, Private Bag X3906, North End 6056
Enquiries: Ms L Lukwe (041) 406 5811
Available EPWP projects
- EPWP Change Agents – R3 082/month – all districts.
- EPWP Youth Brigades – R3 082/month – all districts.
- Women in Advocacy – R3 082/month – all districts (women 18‑45, mothers of malnourished children).
- VEP Fieldworkers – R3 082/month – all districts (youth with Grade 12, VEP experience a plus).
- Household Profiling Assistants – R5 500/month – all districts (Grade 12, social‑science diploma, computer literate).
- Data Collector Assistants – R5 500/month – provincial office only (Grade 12, computer literate, data capture a plus).
- Older Persons Caregivers – R3 082/month – Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani & Buffalo City Metro (Grade 10, caregiving knowledge).
