The Umzimvubu Local Municipality is urgently looking for people to join its Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) for 2026 – a chance to earn a stipend while helping your own community.
What the opportunity is
Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, is offering a range of 12‑month fixed‑term EPWP positions under the Directorate of Citizen and Community Services. The application deadline is 19 June 2026 at 14:00. All posts are based in the municipality’s catchment areas.
Who can apply – eligibility and requirements
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Provide a certified copy of your ID and proof of residence from the Ward Councillor.
- Physical fitness is required for field‑based roles.
- Specific educational levels are listed for each position (see details below).
What you gain – stipend and experience
Stipends range from R1 656 to R3 800 per month, depending on the role. You will develop practical skills in waste management, community engagement, project coordination and basic administration – valuable experience for future jobs in environmental services or municipal work.
Available EPWP positions
Waste Management Beneficiaries
- Posts: 30
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R3 036 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10, physically fit, good interpersonal skills.
- Key duties: Gather waste data, promote proper disposal, identify illegal dumping sites, support no‑litter campaigns and assist with source‑sorting initiatives.
Waste Management Team Leaders
- Posts: 2
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R3 800 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 12, N6 Office Administration, computer literate, strong communication skills.
- Key duties: Supervise beneficiaries, handle daily attendance, keep site registers and perform other supervisory tasks.
Project Coordinator
- Posts: 1
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R3 300 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 12 plus a BSc/BA in Environmental Science or Management, or a Diploma in Environmental Management; computer literate.
- Key duties: Coordinate the whole project, compile monthly progress reports, manage administration and oversee project delivery.
General Assistant – Cancele River
- Posts: 10
- Work schedule: 12 days per month (3 days a week)
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R1 656 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10, physically fit, ID copy and proof of residence.
- Key duties: Carry out waste‑management tasks, remove invasive vegetation, clean illegal dumping sites and liaise with stakeholders.
General Assistant – Phakade to Phuka Wetlands
- Posts: 10
- Work schedule: 12 days per month (3 days a week)
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R1 656 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10, physically fit, ID copy and proof of residence.
- Key duties: Same as Cancele River role – focus on wetland areas.
General Assistant – Poti River
- Posts: 10
- Work schedule: 12 days per month (3 days a week)
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R1 656 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10, physically fit, ID copy and proof of residence.
- Key duties: Same as other General Assistant positions, focused on the Poti River catchment.
Team Leaders – Catchment Areas
- Posts: 3
- Work schedule: 12 days per month (3 days a week)
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R1 680 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 12, computer literate, physically fit, ID copy and proof of residence.
- Key duties: Supervise beneficiaries, handle administration, monitor daily attendance and keep site registers.
General Assistant – Riparian Tree Planting
- Posts: 3
- Work schedule: 12 days per month (3 days a week)
- Contract: 12 months fixed term
- Stipend: R1 656 per month
- Minimum requirement: Grade 10, physically fit, ID copy and proof of residence.
- Key duties: Plant trees and shrubs along riverbanks, prepare planting sites and dig holes to the required dimensions.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Prepare a current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Attach certified copies of all relevant certificates (Grade 10, Grade 12, N6, diploma or degree where required).
- Include a certified copy of your ID and a proof of residence issued by your Ward Councillor.
- Write a brief covering letter that states the exact post you are applying for.
- Send the complete package to:
The Special Programmes Department
Umzimvubu Local Municipality
Private Bag X902
KwaBhaca
5090 - Alternatively, hand‑deliver the documents to one of the following addresses:
Dabula Street Sophia, New Municipal Offices, KwaBhaca, 5090
or
67 Church Street, EmaXesibeni, 4735
Do not fax or email your application – those submissions will be rejected.
Tips to improve your chances
- Make sure every document is certified – unofficial copies are not accepted.
- Tailor your covering letter to the specific role; mention any experience with waste handling or community projects.
- Proofread your CV for spelling and formatting errors.
- If you live in one of the catchment areas, highlight this in your letter – local knowledge is a plus.
- Women and applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Avoid any form of canvassing or lobbying municipal officials; doing so will lead to immediate disqualification.
Next steps
Gather your documents, write a focused covering letter, and submit before the 19 June deadline. This EPWP programme can give you a steady stipend, practical skills and a foot‑in‑the‑door to future municipal or environmental work. Good luck!
Enquiries
For any questions, contact Abongile Mquk on 039 255 8500 / 8611.
