Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation is looking for unemployed South African youth to join the EPWP Arts and Culture Fieldworkers Programme 2026. The deadline is 08 May 2026, so you need to act now.
What the programme offers
The EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) creates temporary jobs and builds skills. This year the programme runs for 11 months at the Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre in the Free State. You will receive a monthly stipend of R2 500 and a contract through EPWP.
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen, aged 18‑35, and currently unemployed. You should meet at least one of the following:
- Matric or equivalent qualification
- Relevant experience in arts and culture, community programmes, or early childhood development
Examples of useful experience include:
- Participating in community theatre or choir
- Involvement in dance, music, or craft groups
- Volunteering in youth or ECD programmes
Placement streams – pick one
Performing and Visual Arts
- Theatre / drama
- Music
- Dance
- Poetry
- Visual arts
- Sewing and crafts
General Worker
- Cleaning and maintaining facilities
- Preparing venues for events
- Helping with programme logistics
- Supporting daily operations
Early Childhood Developer
- Supporting learning programmes for children aged 3–5
- Facilitating creative play and arts activities
- Preparing learning materials
- Assisting qualified ECD practitioners
What you will gain
- Real work experience in a public‑sector setting
- Hands‑on exposure to arts and community development
- Stronger CV and better employability
- References you can use for future applications
- A pathway to learnerships, NGO roles, municipal programmes, or arts facilitation jobs
Documents you need
- Completed New Z83 application form
- One‑page CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Proof of relevant experience (if you have it)
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents.
- Fill out the New Z83 form carefully.
- Write a clear, one‑page CV that highlights any arts, community or ECD work.
- Make copies of your ID and experience proof.
- Put everything together in a neat folder.
- Take the folder in person to the Mbabana Arts and Culture Centre before 08 May 2026.
- Ask for a receipt or confirmation that your application was received.
Tips to improve your chances
- Choose the stream that matches your strongest experience.
- Tailor your CV to the selected stream – use the same words as the job description.
- Bring extra copies of your documents in case the centre asks for them.
- Be polite and professional when you hand in your application.
- Follow up with a friendly phone call to Ms Tumelo Senoge‑Bollers (072 1591 710) if you do not receive acknowledgment within a week.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, submit your application before the deadline. Remember, late submissions will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a temporary EPWP role, not a permanent job, but it can open doors to many future opportunities.
